Habitat for Humanity strengthens its operations in Ukraine with new branch to support reconstruction and housing needs
Kyiv, Ukraine (September 9, 2024) – Habitat for Humanity, a global leader in affordable housing and community development, is proud to announce the official opening of its new branch in Ukraine. This expansion comes at a crucial time as the nation faces an unprecedented need for housing reconstruction and development following the ongoing war and displacement. The new branch will focus on providing safe, affordable housing, rebuilding damaged homes, and enhancing community resilience through local partnerships and advocacy for effective housing policies. It will prioritize the most vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and low-income families, and will work closely with local NGOs, private sector, and local authorities to ensure that reconstruction efforts align with sustainable development goals.
“The opening of Habitat for Humanity in Ukraine marks a critical expansion of our efforts in Europe. By establishing a strong presence here, we are not only addressing immediate housing needs but also contributing to the long-term stability and growth of communities. This move reflects our deep commitment to supporting the region as it rebuilds and thrives,” commented Rick Hathaway, Vice-President for Europe and the Middle East at Habitat for Humanity.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Habitat for Humanity has provided assistance to thousands of refugees from the region. Habitat has been responding to the crisis from day one, offering refugees emergency services and helping them find short-, mid-, and long-term accommodation in neighboring countries by supporting housing arrangements with host families, refurbishing and furnishing communal spaces, repurposing empty spaces, subsidizing rentals, and running social rental programs.
Habitat for Humanity has also been active in Ukraine, contributing to emergency response efforts and supporting displaced families. Through partnerships with local and international entities in Ukraine, we have successfully supported vulnerable families with direct repairs and winterization upgrades, along with repairs to vital community infrastructure in the hardest-hit regions. Additionally, we are supporting war-affected communities by modernizing multi-apartment buildings to be energy-efficient and upgrading basements to provide safe shelter from missile attacks. The new branch will build on this foundation, scaling up operations to meet the growing needs of communities across Ukraine.
“Having a dedicated presence on the ground in Ukraine is vital for deepening our relationships with local stakeholders and grassroots organizations. It enables us to directly influence housing policy and to work collaboratively on projects that have a lasting impact on the lives of Ukrainian families. We are committed to leveraging our global expertise to support sustainable development and recovery during this crucial period,” said Orkhan Aliyev, Habitat for Humanity’s Chief of Party in Ukraine.
The organization’s work in Ukraine will also focus on empowering local communities by providing training in construction, advocating for inclusive housing policies, and fostering partnerships with both public and private sectors. By working closely with Ukrainian grassroots organizations, Habitat for Humanity aims to strengthen the capacity of local actors and ensure the sustainability of its projects.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity’s work in Ukraine and how you can support these efforts, please visit www.habitat.org/eme or contact Orkhan Aliyev.
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand partner up with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.