Mariupol defender, Yuriy Okatov, has become a new participant in the Heart of Azovstal "At Home" programme and got his own flat in Kyiv region.
Yurii joined the National Guard in 2020. In December 2021, he was rotated to the suburbs of Mariupol. There, he was caught in a full-scale invasion. On March 12, while changing positions, the defender came under fire. An enemy bullet hit him in the head. Yurii was given first aid and sent to the hospital, and then to Azovstal.
He was unconscious for almost a month. When he regained consciousness, he realised that he had lost his eye. There were problems with memory, the defender did not recognise anyone, could not read and write.
In May, Yurii, by the order of the highest military authority, came out for captivity. He stayed there until March 2023. Now the defender is adapting to civilian life. His own flat opens up new opportunities for him.
"It's very nice that we are remembered. I am grateful to Rinat Akhmetov for such aid to the servicemen. Housing is very important. Especially for those who have lost it, who have nowhere to return. Now you don't have to think about it. I can't go back to the army, but I want to do something useful. Not only for me, but also for other people. Something important," said Yurii OKATOV.
Mykhailo Vernyhora, his brother-in-arms, who also got a flat under the programme "At home", came to congratulate the defender on his housewarming party. It was Mykhailo who motivated Yurii to apply.
"At each stage, I asked him, "Did you submit everything?". At the same time, I was in touch with the manager. He helped me get some documents. Because if there is housing, there is a prospect. And now the main thing is not to stop, to move on. And the Heart of Azovstal will pick it up and help. And some people do not believe that it is possible to get a flat like this, that it remains yours. And I will say that it is true. No one takes anything away. Since the first days when I received the keys, I have been the owner of my flat. And you no longer need to think about moving and renting housing," says Mykhailo VERNYHORA.
Under the programme "Heart of Azovstal. Health" Yuriy is preparing for getting an eye prosthesis installed. Further, the project is ready to help you decide on your future profession.
"Our huge goal is to provide comprehensive aid: from rehabilitation to self-realisation. Therefore, every manager of our project works to lead the defenders to the goal they are striving for. In the "Future" programme, we offer training, qualification courses, higher education, entrepreneurial courses. We select an individual path for each defender. And this is very important. Therefore, a flat is just the beginning," said Kseniia SUKHOVA, director of the Heart of Azovstal.
Read more about the programme "At Home" on the website of The Heart of Azovstal.
