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Zhytomyr for IDPs: Smart Solutions
Zhytomyr's Sustainable Housing for IDPs: Integrated Solutions & International Cooperation
The Zhytomyr community has implemented a large-scale housing program for IDPs, integrating modern technologies and international partnerships. Completed projects include 56 modular houses, 2 family-type houses with solar panels and heat pumps, and 7 renovated dormitory rooms. These provide safe, energy-efficient housing for displaced families, serving as a model for sustainable urban development and effective collaboration between local authorities and international partners.
Ukraine
Local
Zhytomyr, Ukraine – apartment complex for IDPs, implementation of social programs, housing infrastructure.
Veresy village, Zhytomyr region, Ukraine – modular town for displaced persons.
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2025-01-01
Yes
Estonian Government Programme: Construction of family-type houses in Zhytomyr Focus: Building two family-type houses for large families, particularly those caring for orphans. Funding: Estonian Government & Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) Implementation: 2024, in collaboration with Ukrainian and Estonian architects. Key aspects: Modular architecture, solar panels, modern energy-efficient technologies. Red Cross & European Union Programme: EU Support for Urgent Housing Needs for IDPs in Ukraine Focus: Renovation and refurbishment of municipal buildings for IDPs with energy-efficient upgrades. Year: Initiated in February 2022 Funding: European Union (NIP) & managed by NEFCO in cooperation with the Red Cross. Impact: Provides immediate housing solutions through sustainable refurbishment projects across Ukrainian municipalities. Note: Since 2022, the Zhytomyr community has been cooperating with NEFCO within the Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine, aiming to develop sustainable housing solutions for IDPs. The collaboration is ongoing and is expected to contribute to future large-scale housing projects in the city.
No
Yes
No
Yes
As a representative of an organisation, in partnership with other organisations

The Zhytomyr community is implementing a comprehensive project to provide modern, energy-efficient, and accessible housing for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The initiative includes the construction of a multi-apartment residential complex, a modular town, and family-type houses, fostering social integration and long-term adaptation for IDPs.
Project Objective:
To establish long-term housing solutions for IDPs in the Zhytomyr urban territorial community through construction, renovation, and modernization of housing stock using innovative technologies, sustainability principles, energy efficiency, and inclusivity.

Target Groups:
IDPs who lost their homes due to the war in Ukraine (destroyed or occupied housing).
Large families and families with children.
Families with persons with disabilities.
Other vulnerable groups (pensioners, pregnant women, etc.).
Key Achievements:
59 housing units were completed between 2023-2024.
60 families have already received housing.
Implementation of modern construction technologies, including CLT panels and energy-efficient solutions, ensuring durable, comfortable, and eco-friendly housing.
The project continues to expand, providing long-term housing solutions for IDPs and promoting the sustainable development of the Zhytomyr community.
Strengthening of social infrastructure and ensuring the integration of IDPs.
The project demonstrates a comprehensive approach to addressing the housing needs of IDPs, integrating modern technology, international cooperation, and social responsibility.
Housing
Inclusion
Sustainability
Energy Efficiency
International Partnership
1. Environmental Sustainability
Use of CLT Panels – Cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction reduces CO₂ emissions compared to concrete and brick, storing carbon and contributing to climate change mitigation.
Energy Efficiency – Advanced insulation, solar panels, and high-quality materials lower energy consumption and dependence on fossil fuels.
Resource Optimization – Modular construction minimizes waste, and reusability makes the process flexible and efficient.
2. Social Sustainability
Long-term Housing Solutions – The project replaces temporary housing with permanent infrastructure, ensuring community integration.
Inclusion and Accessibility – Barrier-free housing meets the needs of people with disabilities, promoting dignified living conditions.
Social Housing Development – Conversion of municipal properties into housing expands accessibility for vulnerable groups.
Community Building – Public spaces, playgrounds, and green zones foster interaction and inclusion.
3. Economic Sustainability
International Partnerships – Funding from the EU, Red Cross, and Estonia alleviates the local financial burden.
Efficient Construction – Modular and CLT technology shortens construction time and costs.
Local Economic Growth – Job creation in construction, materials production, and housing maintenance supports economic resilience.
This project demonstrates how innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility create long-term, dignified housing solutions in crisis contexts.
This project integrates modern construction technologies, sustainability, and social inclusion, providing not just housing but a high-quality living environment.

Key Achievements:
Comfortable and Harmonious Environment

CLT panels create warmth and aesthetic appeal, offering displaced individuals a sense of home.
Thoughtful design ensures stability, security, and psychological comfort.
Modern Design with Cultural Identity

Minimalist architecture with Ukrainian traditional elements.
Flexible spaces, warm natural colors, and integration with green areas.
Inclusivity and Accessibility

Designed for all residents, including people with disabilities and families.
Barrier-free access, inclusive lighting, and navigation systems.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Solar panels, thermal retention systems, and rainwater collection minimize costs.
Large windows and smart planning maximize natural light.
Social Integration and Community Building

Public spaces, creative hubs, and playgrounds encourage interaction.
Community-oriented layout enhances social cohesion.
Why It’s Exemplary:
Innovative & Traditional – CLT panels ensure sustainability while honoring local traditions.
Eco-Friendly & Durable – Long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Human-Centered – Prioritizing comfort, inclusion, and a sense of home.
Scalable Model – A benchmark for Ukraine’s future social housing.
This initiative establishes a safe, inclusive, and sustainable urban living environment.
This project provides not only housing for internally displaced persons but also ensures social integration, accessibility, and sustainability. It offers long-term housing solutions instead of temporary shelters, fostering an inclusive urban community.

Key Achievements
Affordable and Accessible Housing

CLT panels enable fast, energy-efficient construction, reducing maintenance costs.
Housing options include modular homes, family-type residences, and social apartments for different household needs.
Barrier-Free Environment

Designed for accessibility, including ramps, wide doorways, ergonomic staircases, and elevators.
Interior spaces allow flexibility for adaptation to residents’ needs.
Social Integration

The housing complex is integrated into the urban fabric rather than isolated.
A co-living model with shared spaces fosters community interaction.
Repurposed municipal buildings provide social housing within the city's infrastructure.
Sustainability

CLT panels and energy-efficient technologies minimize CO₂ emissions.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and heat pumps, enhance sustainability.
Green spaces create a comfortable and environmentally friendly living environment.
Why This Project Sets a Benchmark
It combines accessibility, social cohesion, and sustainability, following European best practices adapted to local needs. This initiative not only provides housing but also builds a strong, inclusive community where all residents have equal opportunities.
Citizens who are beneficiaries of the project and civil society have played a key role in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of housing initiatives for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Zhytomyr community. Citizen engagement has ensured effective feedback between local authorities, international partners, and displaced persons.

The Zhytomyr City Council, through the Department of Social Protection, provides ongoing support to IDPs by offering consultations, clarifications on social programs, and opportunities for obtaining housing. Regular public receptions with the mayor have enabled prompt responses to the needs of displaced persons. Surveys and open meetings have allowed the integration of their needs into the housing policy.

The City Council collaborates with civil society organizations that support IDPs, facilitate their social adaptation, and improve their housing conditions. To coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders, a Coordination Council on IDP Issues has been established, comprising representatives of displaced persons, civil society organizations, and executive bodies of the City Council.

Active citizen participation has contributed to adapting housing policies to the real needs of IDPs, attracting international support, expanding the housing stock, and creating barrier-free housing, shelters, and recreational areas.
The project serves as an example of effective cooperation between the community, local authorities, and international partners, offering a scalable model for implementation in other cities.
The housing project for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Zhytomyr is driven by coordinated efforts between local authorities, state institutions, international partners, and civil society. This collaboration has created a scalable housing model that continues to expand.

At the local level, the Zhytomyr City Council has initiated housing programs, integrated projects into the urban infrastructure, and oversees their coordination. The executive bodies administer the project, provide legal support, and attract additional resources. Local civil society organizations offer social and humanitarian services, ensuring transparency and responsiveness to IDP needs.

At the regional and national levels, the Ministry for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the regional military administration coordinate project implementation, support infrastructure development, and align local initiatives with national policies. State support ensures the effective allocation of resources and further project expansion.

At the European level, international partners have played a key role in completed housing projects. The Italian Red Cross financed 56 modular homes in Veresy, and the Estonian government, through ESTDEV, built two family-type homes for large displaced families. These projects highlight successful cooperation in creating long-term housing solutions.

Zhytomyr is now scaling up collaboration with European financial and development institutions. The next phase focuses on expanding permanent housing through partnerships with NEFCO and GIZ, integrating CLT construction, autonomous energy solutions, and inclusive design. This ongoing cooperation enhances international trust and opens opportunities for future investment in the city’s housing infrastructure.
The project integrates architecture, social work, ecology, urban planning, and financial management, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to develop innovative, sustainable, and comprehensive housing solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

By combining expertise from various fields, the project creates a holistic approach that incorporates:

Architecture and Urban Planning – Designing energy-efficient living spaces, ensuring accessibility, and adapting to residents' evolving needs.
Social Work and Humanitarian Support – Assessing IDP needs, providing social assistance, and fostering integration and community cohesion.
Ecology and Energy Efficiency – Utilizing sustainable materials, incorporating renewable energy sources, and implementing autonomous energy systems.
Financial Planning and Project Management – Developing long-term financial strategies, securing international grants, and optimizing funding allocation.
Public Governance and Community Engagement – Collaborating with local authorities, civil society, and international partners to ensure project sustainability and expand its impact.
This interdisciplinary approach enables the development of solutions that go beyond housing, contributing to social stability, economic growth, and enhanced opportunities for IDPs. The project’s adaptability and scalability confirm its potential for replication in other regions.
The project utilizes modern construction technologies, transforming the traditional approach to housing for internally displaced persons (IDPs). A key element is the use of CLT, a strong, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly material that reduces the carbon footprint and accelerates construction.

To enhance energy efficiency, the project integrates solar panels, heat recovery systems, and modern lighting, reducing utility costs and increasing building autonomy.

The project includes various housing formats: modular homes in Veresy, family-type houses supported by the Estonian government, and an expanding portfolio of permanent housing solutions. This adaptability ensures housing solutions meet the diverse needs of displaced persons.

Architectural solutions prioritize social inclusion, featuring barrier-free access, shared public spaces, and communal areas. A decentralized housing management model involves residents in decision-making regarding maintenance and operations.

Partnerships with the EU (NEFCO), the Red Cross, the Estonian government, and GIZ integrate the project into international sustainable development initiatives.

This initiative serves as a model for IDP housing, combining ecological technologies, autonomous energy solutions, international cooperation, and social integration.
The project's methodology is based on a combination of needs analysis, multi-level coordination, and the integration of international expertise. Its core approach includes strategic planning, community engagement, and the implementation of sustainable housing solutions.

At the initial stage, housing needs assessments for internally displaced persons (IDPs) were conducted through consultations, surveys, and public discussions. The findings allowed the project to be adapted to real challenges.

Implementation is carried out through partnerships between local authorities, international donors, and civil society initiatives. The Coordination Council on IDP Issues plays a key role in shaping housing policies, ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are considered.

A decentralized housing management model has been introduced, enabling residents to participate in decision-making regarding housing operations. Beyond providing housing, the project fosters social interaction, develops public spaces, and supports community-driven initiatives.

This approach ensures the scalability of the project, its adaptability to different contexts, and the integration of international best practices in IDP housing solutions.
The housing model for internally displaced persons (IDPs) implemented in Zhytomyr can be adapted for other cities in Ukraine and Europe. Its key components, including construction technologies, social integration principles, and financial mechanisms, are universally applicable.

The project demonstrates flexibility by incorporating modular housing, apartment complexes, and family-type homes, allowing the model to be tailored to different social groups.

Its innovative financing approach, based on international grants and partnerships, can be replicated by communities seeking long-term housing solutions.

The integration of sustainable technologies, such as CLT construction, autonomous energy systems, and inclusive design, makes the model attractive for cities aiming to reduce environmental impact and improve housing quality.

Beyond addressing IDP housing needs, this model fosters social cohesion and supports sustainable urban development.
The project addresses key global challenges, including housing for displaced persons, sustainable urban recovery, ecological construction, and social integration.

Forced displacement: The rising number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is a global issue. This project offers an integration model adaptable to other communities.
Post-crisis housing recovery: War necessitates new approaches to reconstruction. The project ensures housing sustainability by implementing energy-efficient solutions.
Climate resilience: The use of eco-friendly materials, autonomous energy systems, and solar panels reduces CO₂ emissions and enhances community energy independence.
Inclusivity and accessibility: All housing units are designed for people with limited mobility, ensuring equal access to housing for all residents.
Sustainable cities and migration policy: The project develops flexible housing policies that can be scaled to national and international programs.
The local solutions implemented in Zhytomyr contribute to a global strategy for sustainable development, social integration, and adaptation to forced displacement challenges.
The project has provided housing for internally displaced persons (IDPs), supported their integration into the community, introduced energy-efficient solutions, and implemented innovative housing management models.

Housing and Infrastructure
56 modular homes in Veresy now house families who lost their homes due to war. A family from Bakhmut has settled in, creating a small garden near their new home.
Family-type houses for large families from Kherson, supported by the Estonian government, provided safe and stable housing. One family, displaced by the Kakhovka dam flooding, has found a new beginning.
65 families are already housed, with an additional 116 families set to receive permanent housing in the next phase.
Social Impact
Housing has been provided to 65 IDP families, including people with disabilities, large families, and veterans.
416 families (1,038 individuals) registered as needing housing, with 15,600 IDPs officially registered in the community.
A priority-based housing distribution system ensures fairness, prioritizing military families, second-time displaced persons, and those whose homes were destroyed or occupied.
The IDP Coordination Council facilitates integration and participation in housing policy decisions.
Environmental Sustainability
CLT construction technology reduced CO₂ emissions and enabled fast, eco-friendly housing development.
Solar panels and autonomous energy systems lowered utility costs.
Energy-efficient solutions and insulation support long-term housing sustainability.
Innovative Housing Management
A decentralized model allows residents to participate in housing maintenance and decision-making.
Inclusive design ensures accessibility for people with disabilities, supporting independent living.
This project not only provides housing but also fosters social integration, adaptation, and community resilience. Its scalable solutions can be adapted to other regions facing similar challenges.