In the fourth year of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, housing is one of the most significant humanitarian and recovery challenges for the country. Significant and ongoing destruction has been observed.
The latest Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment reveals that 13% of Ukraine’s housing stock has been damaged since February 2022, affecting approximately 2.5 million families.
In partnership with Ukrainian authorities and partners, UNHCR has invested over $114 million in durable housing solutions since July 2022, providing support for both durable home repairs and emergency shelter assistance.
“By assisting with the repair of houses and apartments, we are allowing individuals to remain in or return to their homes – locations that hold deep meaning and are often passed down through generations,” stated Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR’s representative in Ukraine. “These are not just buildings. They are cherished spaces where couples raised their children, families celebrated milestones, cared for older relatives, and built their lives together.”
UNHCR’s support includes a range of solutions such as contracting local builders, providing construction materials, or offering cash assistance to homeowners. Repairs may involve roofs, windows, insulation, and in some cases, major reconstruction. Additionally, the agency aids in restoring common areas in apartment buildings.
UNHCR also offers emergency shelter kits that include tarpaulin, wooden boards, nails, and other materials to help protect homes from further weather damage. Since 2022, more than 470,000 people have received such kits.
With millions still internally displaced – many from areas under temporary occupation with limited prospects of return – UNHCR supports broader shelter options. These include restoring social housing, repairing rural homes, and refurbishing collective centers for the most vulnerable individuals.
Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2025/07/1165349
