Four years into the war in Ukraine, 14 million people have fled their homes, and 3.7 million remain internally displaced inside the country. After years of conflict, most of the population must shelter from harsh winter temperatures in damaged buildings, with limited or no access to heat, electricity and clean water.
Habitat launched a response the moment conflict began, meeting displaced people at border points with emergency travel supplies and helping families find immediate shelter. As needs changed in real time, we adapted, shifting our focus toward stable, long-term housing.
Beyond repairing damaged homes, we are converting empty, unused buildings into safe, decent apartments — an approach that is faster, more cost-efficient and more resource-conscious.
Modernizing for comfort and safety
Together with local partners, Habitat Ukraine transformed a former preschool in Kalush that sat empty for more than 20 years. The space now has 48 apartments that can comfortably house up to 150 residents.
We completely overhauled the structure from the inside out, adding a new roof, updating the insulation, and installing brand-new plumbing and heating. These energy-efficient upgrades help protect families from freezing winters while also keeping long-term utility costs affordable.
The community named Zirochka, meaning “little star,” sits in a walkable neighborhood close to local shops and schools. Here, formerly displaced families like Yuliia’s are settling in.
Shaping a new national standard
Yuliia fled to Kalush with her teenage daughter when the war made their hometown in eastern Ukraine unsafe. Today, she says their new apartment has brought them the stability and comfort they longed for.
“We were so delighted that my daughter would have her own room — everything new, clean and thoughtfully prepared, even the little things,” Yuliia says. “We’re slowly making Zirochka our home — hanging curtains, ordering furniture and finding it easier day by day.”
The Zirochka community is showing what is possible for housing reform in Ukraine. As the government works on rewriting its laws, we’re at the table, sharing what we’ve learned with officials and key housing experts. By providing a real-world example of what works, we are helping the government create a framework that other cities can easily follow, helping thousands more families like Yuliia’s find safe, long-term housing.
With a reliable place to call home, those families can look toward building their futures. Plans are underway in Zirochka for a playground and a community greenhouse.
“I really want to plant a tree here,” Yuliia says. “Because if I’m going to live here, I want to grow something of my own.”
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Habitat Magazine illustrates the mission at the center of all our work – ensuring people in our communities and around the world can achieve the safety and stability of affordable homeownership. Journey through the impact of Habitat with our collection of Habitat Magazine issues.
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Over the past 50 years, we have helped more than 65 million people around the world build, improve or finance places to call home. Now, we’re building on that momentum.