Roksolana Stefanyshyn, Vice President of Public Affairs at PanteonX Charitable Foundation

 

The issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine first emerged after the annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of conflict in Donbas, forcing over 1.5 million people to relocate. At that time, neither the government, nor society had a common understanding of the displacement process, the challenges people face, their primary needs, or how to facilitate their integration into new communities. Displacement often coincided with ongoing shelling. A new, significant wave of forced displacements caused by russia's full-scale invasion further fueled the crisis. As a result, the number of displaced persons grew exponentially, while community resources remained insufficient.

Voices Amid Ruins

A recent study by Depaul International highlighted the issue of homelessness in Ukraine, revealing that 22% of people sleeping on the streets or in shelters are IDPs. Meanwhile, our charitable foundation, PanteonX, is in regular contact with those displaced within Ukraine. The tense and dramatic flow of their thoughts related to the loss of native homes and forced relocation is heartbreaking. However, these stories undoubtedly illustrate the crisis magnitude: "(…) left without a home, separated from family, children now have chronic illnesses, we have been moving across Ukraine since 2014; a shell hit our house, killing my mother and grandmother, left without a home; our house was destroyed, village obliterated, occupation, and nowhere to return; a shell hit the house where my children and I stayed: my daughter was injured, the house and all property destroyed; twice displaced: our home in Horlivka was destroyed in 2015, another one in Toretsk – damaged; we are double-displaced, renting for more than a year, my family, husband and disabled parents, remained in Melitopol; our house was damaged after Kakhovka HPP flooding: occupiers took the house and stole everything we had; a large family, our house was completely destroyed, living in a temporary module; our entire street was destroyed before our eyes, we barely managed to escape with just our documents. Everything accumulated over years – demolished. How do I start over at the age of over 50? (…)"

Housing situation statistics among 12,074 IDPs who completed the aid application form with our foundation in Ukraine:

The overall need for housing assistance for IDPs is becoming increasingly critical, requiring coordinated actions from both the government and international partners.

Some Insights from Global Displacement Crises

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, one in every 113 people globally is now either an asylum seeker, internally displaced or a refugee, it is a staggering number. Thus, global practice already offers approaches to address such crisis.

For instance, in 2016-2017, the EU, UNHCR, and UNDP implemented a rent subsidy scheme for displaced people in Somalia. Households received a rent subsidy of up to $80 per month for a year, an income-generating grant of $1,000, and a food basket for seven months. The pilot project evaluated whether combining rent subsidies with essential tools and funds could improve IDP integration. After the project, 100% of households reported increased income. While 89% of households managed to stay in rented accommodations, the remaining 11% could not continue renting due to lack of funding (vulnerable groups). Ultimately, this approach highlighted the critical role of the private sector in protecting IDPs and the value of integrated support system.

Public-Private Partnership for Housing Solutions. In order to meet housing demand, Ukraine could draw on models used in post-conflict regions (e.g., the Balkans). The government, in collaboration with private developers, could incentivize affordable housing construction for IDPs through tax breaks and subsidized land. This would alleviate pressure on urban housing markets and offer new opportunities for displaced families.

Expanding social housing programs with international agencies' support would be a significant aid for the most vulnerable groups. Renovating abandoned or unoccupied buildings in less conflict-affected regions could provide faster solutions than constructing new ones.

Investments and Rent Subsidies

A comprehensive approach that addresses both urgent housing needs and long-term stability is crucial for sustainable solutions.

Investment in Housing Infrastructure. Developing national strategies for constructing new housing and renovating existing structures is essential. Adopting energy-efficient construction methods would reduce living costs for displaced families and promote long-lasting development. The strategy should consider various housing needs, including low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Strengthening Social Support Systems. Expanding rent subsidy programs and social benefits for IDPs can offer immediate financial relief. With nearly 3.3 million Ukrainian households already receiving utility subsidies, extending similar support for IDPs could stabilize their housing situations. Since 2015, the Council of Europe has backed Ukraine's efforts to aid IDPs. The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Council of Europe projects "Facilitating Housing Solutions for the War-Affected People in Ukraine" and "Enhanced Social Protection in Ukraine" as part of the broader Action Plan (2023-2026), held a public discussion on rent subsidies for IDPs. The new subsidy aims to improve conditions for 1.1 million Ukrainians struggling with housing and is designed to adapt to family needs, considering family size, regional rates, and housing affordability. This initiative could serve as a bridge between shelters and long-term housing solutions. Besides improving accessibility through subsidies, a key feature of social housing is that placement and rent rates are regulated, providing accessibility and security for vulnerable populations. Ukrainian cities could also consider programs aimed at transitioning people from the streets into small, affordable apartments. For instance, Vienna has implemented a "smart housing" program that helps people find stable shelter.

International Approaches to Housing for Low-Income Individuals

The USA: The Housing Choice Voucher program provides rental subsidies. Participants receive a voucher covering up to 70% of rent, which the property owner receives from the government.

The UK: Housing Benefit helps tenants cover rental costs, and the Universal Credit social program includes housing support for low-income families.

A notable model is Scotland's Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan, which provides access to stable housing with additional services, achieving significant progress in reducing homelessness. For Ukraine, this could be crucial in addressing IDPs' needs, ensuring that displacement does not lead to prolonged housing instability. Scotland's Housing First approach provides housing to people with complex needs (e.g., mental health conditions or addictions), recognizing that stable housing is foundational for rehabilitation. This model could be adapted in Ukraine to support veterans and those who have suffered war-related trauma.

France: Personalized Housing Aid (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) is a system of financial assistance for tenants based on income and rent levels, and it can also be provided as a subsidy to reduce rental costs for low-income individuals.

Germany: Housing Benefit (Wohngeld) is a subsidy for low-income households, partially covering housing costs based on income, rent levels, and family size.

Thus, Ukraine could adapt successful foreign practices to develop a sustainable housing strategy tailored to IDPs' needs. Current initiatives in Ukraine like the Council of Europe's "Resilience, Recover and Reconstruction" program, aim to align local and international efforts. Simplifying land-use and construction regulations and fostering public-private partnerships could speed up the construction of new housing. Ukraine needs a comprehensive housing policy reform to foster the development of affordable housing for those in need, with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Creating housing that considers the needs of veterans and people with disabilities will promote better community integration. International partnerships will ensure long-term investments in this sector, while the collaboration of government agencies, international organizations, foundations, and local communities will be key to developing sustainable solutions for millions of displaced Ukrainians.