(Un)affordable Housing: Ukraine Deserves Better
One of the most fundamental human needs is a safe and stable place to live. For millions of Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homes due to Russia’s full-scale invasion, the first step toward rebuilding their lives is access to housing — not just any roof, but a space that is safe, dignified, comfortable, and affordable.
A Housing Crisis in the Making
Before the war, Ukraine’s public housing stock included only around 3,000 units. Some were intended as social housing, others functioned as emergency shelters. But this was already far below the level of need — and the war pushed the system to its breaking point.
As missiles hit homes and towns across the country, people were left with limited options. Some evacuated abroad. Others rented private flats, but the rental market quickly became unaffordable for many. Families crowded into schools, kindergartens, dormitories — or chose not to leave at all, saying: “There’s nowhere to go.”
In these conditions — without privacy, stability, or a sense of belonging — recovering from trauma and integrating into new communities becomes even more difficult.
From Emergency to Long-Term Housing: The CO-HATY Approach
In 2022, we launched CO-HATY as a response to this emergency. We worked fast, yet never compromised on dignity. Over two years, we transformed eight abandoned buildings into shelters, creating approximately 1,600 housing places. Our work was recognised internationally with a Bronze World Habitat Award. But two years in, we saw that temporary solutions were not enough.
Millions of people still can’t return home — either because their towns remain under occupation or because everything has been destroyed. Yet no national system for affordable, community-owned housing has emerged. People are still forced to choose between emigration and even returning to occupied territories.
The Resources Exist — But Need Activation
Across Ukraine, many municipalities still have access to unused buildings: empty dormitories, former administrative buildings, outdated schools. These spaces can be transformed — and remain in public ownership. What’s missing is the mechanism: a model that enables local governments, civil society, and international partners to act quickly, in a coordinated and transparent way.
That’s where the next chapter of CO-HATY begins.
Our New Model: Community-Owned, Inclusive, and Sustainable Housing
Our newest projects pilot a community-owned model for long-term social housing. We collaborate with municipalities, redesign buildings into apartment units, integrate inclusive infrastructure, and ensure accessibility for all.
In Kalush, we are renovating a former dormitory into 49 apartments, and CO-HATY will take on property management to support social cohesion and community development. We’re also working in Horodok, where we’re converting a long-abandoned kindergarten into 24 new homes for families who plan to stay and rebuild their lives locally.
We have recently completed our first project with apartments in the village of Shypynky, Vinnytsia region. People have already moved into 14 new apartments, and they will also have the opportunity to find employment in the community.
Meanwhile, we continue to improve the quality of existing shelters. Through an open call, we selected 21 shelters across Ukraine where we’ll upgrade comfort, inclusivity, and essential living conditions.
The Need Is Clear — and Growing
Ukraine’s recovery depends not only on rebuilding infrastructure but also on supporting people — especially those who have lost their homes. At CO-HATY, we believe that housing is a right, and it must be met with policy, resources, and long-term planning.
We continue to explore and promote the themes of affordable housing, inclusive communities, and sustainable materials in architecture and construction. We share our experience with others in Ukraine and abroad, advocating for housing systems that centre dignity and resilience.
We invite you to be part of this work. If you’re working in housing, urban development, or social recovery — or simply care about the future of Ukraine — let’s connect! Whether you’d like to share this story, partner with us, or join our volunteer network, your support matters.
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