Teenager from Ukraine helps homeless in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa — Kostiantyn “Koast” Tsymbal is a very long way from household, but the Ukrainian exchange college student is settling into Iowa by connecting with Des Moines’ homeless inhabitants by means of Joppa.

“I obtained involved a great deal and just acquired addicted to this spot,” mentioned Tsymbal. “I just felt so good helping these persons, and now I volunteer below regularly.”

Tsymbal only desired 30 hours of volunteer get the job done to meet his educational necessities at Johnston Large Faculty, but Joppa CEO and co-founder Joe Stevens believes Tsymbal has invested about 200 hours serving foodstuff and provides to folks with out households.

The teen arrived in Johnston very last summer and only supposed to keep in Iowa for one particular college calendar year. Because of to the war among Ukraine and Russia, he’s unable to go dwelling. Tsymbal will end his education though in Iowa.

“I known as my mother proper away and questioned if everything is alright,” mentioned Tsymbal, who additional added that his family members has now evacuated and is safe and sound. “She explained there was a bombing in my city.”

When Tsymbal hopes for his country’s survival, he now listens to stories of Iowans surviving on the avenue.

That bundled a man named David, who life in a homeless camp close to downtown Des Moines.

“There’s issues I’ve been through I wouldn’t desire on my worst enemy, and getting rid of my wife and son is a person of them,” David stated. “You’re often heading to have some homeless folks. Individuals need to have to understand to both accept it or give areas for us to go.”

Tsymbal mentioned he’s going to keep on his assistance with Joppa right until he returns to Ukraine.

“I feel wonderful that I can enable in some way and be a mate for them,” Tsymbal reported. “Try to assistance other folks. End thinking only about you.”