Right now, Habitat is addressing the immediate and mid-term shelter needs of Ukrainian civilians seeking refuge in Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, with special attention to vulnerable individuals, such as single mothers, the elderly, people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, and nationals of third-party countries residing in Ukraine when the conflict began. As the situation within Ukraine continues to unfold, we remain flexible in our approach in neighboring countries.
Millions of people have fled Ukraine since the conflict began February 24, and those numbers continue to rise. Some 70 percent of these refugees are women and children without a clear plan or support from loved ones abroad, making them vulnerable to human trafficking and sexual or gender-based violence. Moving them into safe, secure housing has an immediate impact on their protection risks.
Habitat for Humanity has been supporting shelter needs in Central and Eastern Europe since 1992, and we have a solid history of partnering with local and national governments, community organizations, and local NGOs. Our presence in the region allowed us to offer immediate assistance when refugees started arriving at the border and at train stations. Habitat continues to coordinate our response with these organizations, as well as with UNHCR through our leadership role with the Shelter Cluster.
As with many armed conflicts, the situation in Ukraine remains volatile and fluid. The above pages represent Habitat for Humanity's proposed immediate and medium-term response to the growing refugee crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine. On behalf of Habitat International, Habitat Hungary, Habitat Poland, and Habitat Romania, we invite and welcome your partnership in reaching the millions of refugees and survivors in need safe, secure housing and shelter.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
