UNHCR opens its largest social housing facility for displaced families in Ukraine
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, together with the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Internally Displaced Persons, the NGO partner Caritas Ukraine and regional and local authorities, has opened a fully renovated residential building with 70 furnished apartments for internally displaced families in the village of Soborne, in the Odesa region.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has opened a newly renovated social housing facility in Soborne, Odesa region, Ukraine, for displaced families. This is the largest such initiative undertaken by UNHCR in the country so far, providing 70 furnished apartments for over 200 internally displaced individuals. The five-story building underwent extensive renovations, including window replacement, roof repairs, entrance and porch restoration, common area refurbishment, and engineering system upgrades.
Local authorities assisted in connecting the facility to external water and sewerage networks, while UNHCR provided essential furniture and appliances for immediate occupancy. The establishment responds to the ongoing housing shortage caused by the Russian invasion and subsequent attacks. With over 3 million homes damaged or destroyed, many displaced families remain unable to return to their original residences and require alternative accommodations within their host communities.
Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth, UNHCR Representative in Ukraine, emphasized the importance of transitioning from emergency shelters to sustainable long-term housing solutions. Deputy Minister Vitalii Bielobrov highlighted the collaborative effort between national government, local authorities, and international partners to create lasting resources for those in need of affordable housing.
Tetiana Stawnychy, President of Caritas Ukraine, stressed the significance of providing families with a sense of stability and certainty amidst the ongoing conflict. The facility in Soborne aims to address immediate housing needs while offering lasting benefits to the community, potentially accommodating returning families once security conditions permit.
Since the beginning of the war, UNHCR has supported social housing solutions for more than 460 families, rehabilitated over 3,200 houses, and assisted nearly 3,000 families with rental packages. These initiatives complement UNHCR's emergency housing assistance and aim to enhance displaced individuals' stability and independence by providing diverse options for long-term accommodation.
Written by urgent.news from Interfax-Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
