The streets of Vladivostok, Russia, are home to countless numbers of children
The statistics are bleak.  Children as young as five years old hazard an existence alone on the cold and merciless streets of the city.
This is a place where facing homes full of neglect, abuse or alcoholism from their caregivers, children have opted or are forced into a life of begging, bitter cold winters, sleeping in rubbish dumpsters and in basements of abandoned buildings and endless hunger.
The conditions are appalling.  Girls and boys as young as eight become prostitutes and beggars. Turning to solvents and alcohol themselves, the endless circle continues.  The children mere annoyances under the feet of the bypasser!

Following are the profiles of a few of the children LIVINGHOPE has assisted and is continues to help and care for.  
We could share many stories of the personal tradgies of hundreds of children’s lives, the state of their health, tragic family situations and more, but what really counts is that when you raise your hand to help - you change the future for children like the ones below:

Аня ~ Anya  "five years old........wandering the streets and sniffing glue"

Anya was just five years old when LIVINGHOPE first met  her wandering the streets and sniffing glue with her sisters.
Her father had died and with an alcoholic mother, often absent and only working occasionally, the four sisters were left to search for food, cook and care for themselves.
In their hunger, the girls would steal from the neighbours gardens and collect berries to sell for money.
The girls say that when their father was alive he was very cruel; would beat and shout at them. They often left home because of their parents fighting.

Their small one room house contains little furniture, no toilet or running water, and only a single electric stove in a small kitchen off to the side for cooking.
All the doors and walls are cracked, dirty and peeling.  Winter is extremely cold in this house.
Unable to afford the books,  neither Anya or her sisters could attend school.

Through LIVINGHOPE much has changed for the Kharaulova sisters; LIVINGHOPE has  been able to provide all the sisters with books so they could begin school again; and food and clothing for the family when necessary. Anya also enjoys a respite from her harsh life at LIVINGHOPE camps. At camp meals she always asks for seconds.

Катя ~ Katya - "nights on the street......to avoid the violence within the home"

Katya was on a path towards a life on the streets, just like her older sister who had already lived five years on the streets, when LIVINGHOPE first came in contact with her.

Although still living at home, Katya was often spending nights on the street with her sister, to avoid the bad family relationships and the violence within the home.
Living in a one room of 12m2 with her mother, father, older sister and younger brother, the two girls have to share a bed. The bathroom and kitchen are also used by four other families.
Both her parents have alcohol additions, and the family speak  roughly to one another.  The father beats the mother.

LIVINGHOPE  have been able to support Katya and her family, offering  food, clothing and counselling.
LIVINGHOPE have also been able to keep Katya living at home, away from the streets,  and attending school!

Katya has decided she does not want her life to end up like her parents.  She wants to get as much education as possible so she is trying very hard to keep up in school and  is doing very well.
Her dream is to have her own hair dressing salon. She says, “life is not easy but there is no reason not to look after myself.”
Katya came to a LIVINGHOPE summer camp and won a trophy for best leadership skills. She said, “the first thought that crossed my mind when I heard my name was – they love me.”

Татьяна ~ Tanya    "often hungry....confused over who to obey"

LIVINGHOPE meet Tanya shortly after we moved into our new building.
Often hungry, a neighbour sent Tanya to LIVINGHOPE.

Her mum intermittently resorts to bouts of heavy drinking and does not work. Her Papa works but cannot always take the time to worry about Tanya.
When her parents divorced two years ago Tanya found herself living between two houses, spending time at both her mum’s and dad’s.
Not always knowing where to go after school and confused over who to obey more;  Tanya, is frequently disobedient to obtain the attention of her parents.  And this is model of behaviour she has applied to all situations in life.

Accustomed to speaking aggressively and shouting to be heard at her house, Tanya also finds it difficult to build relationships with other children.
Slowly and gradually through LIVINGHOPE she is learning to change her behaviour.
Given the family dynamics, Tanya remains a merry and independent girl, and LIVINGHOPE are proud of the changes we see in Tanya as she continues to strives to overcome her behavioural issues.

Катя ~ Katya- born with HIV

Kaya’s mum Olya has a history of narcotics, and conducted a disorderly way of life in the past and eventually became HIV infected, and this also effected Katya.
Katya has an elder sister, who is healthy. Katie’s mum has made a dramatic change in her life and does not drink, does not assume narcotics and attends church with Katya.
Now mother Olya is pregnant again and is taking extra measures to take care of herself so that her child would be born healthy.

This year Katya was due to start school, but unfortunately was unable to because of the disease.  She did however attend for quarter of the year before she had to leave.  Currently her mother is doing home schooling so that she will be able to attend next year. 

Katya is a very good and attentive girl, who loves her mum and tries to help her with everything.  When she meets with any of the staff, she runs to hug and embrace them and is happy to see them. Katya is obedient and tries her best in everything she does.