Thanks to the Strengthening Resilience and Protection of Conflict-Affected Individuals, Communities, and Systems in Central and Eastern Ukraine project, we are planning comprehensive assistance for social institutions within communities. This includes both temporary accommodation facilities (TAFs) for those forced to flee the war and institutions that provide various services to all community residents. In this way, we can help not only internally displaced persons but also everyone affected by the war.
“It is important for us to improve the conditions in temporary housing facilities, where people are currently forced to stay. For many, this is their only chance to have a roof over their heads, so all TAFs must be properly equipped,” says project coordinator Yuliia Suchok. “It is crucial that these facilities are accessible to the elderly, people with disabilities, or those with mobility difficulties. Everyone should have access to shared kitchens or bathrooms without needing to ask for assistance.”
Most of these municipal buildings were renovated long ago without considering accessibility requirements. Instead of showers, they often have bathtubs that are inaccessible to wheelchair users, with high-sided tubs and no handrails. Sometimes, institutions themselves request improvements to accessibility. For instance, in Dnipropetrovska Oblast, a request was made for a lift to the second floor of a TAF housing many elderly people who cannot all be accommodated on the ground floor.
Additionally, many of these facilities still have old windows that can be easily shattered by explosions. That is why our team prioritizes their replacement. We also frequently renovate bathrooms.
“What we do in a specific community depends on its priorities — these serve as our main guide,” explains Yuliia Suchok. “Additionally, we consider the availability of resources within this project to fully meet certain needs.”
The Foundation also plans to purchase furniture and equipment for TAFs and medical institutions to create more spaces for people. In medical facilities (clinics and hospitals), our main priority is window replacement. Meanwhile, in territorial centers, social service centers, and Administrative Service Centers (ASCs), we primarily focus on improving accessibility, ensuring that all community members can use their services.
The Strengthening Resilience and Protection of Conflict-Affected Individuals, Communities, and Systems in Central and Eastern Ukraine project is implemented by the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” in cooperation with the international humanitarian organization CARE and with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.