Better than Shelter: Rebuilding Ukraine
Basic information
Project Title
Better than Shelter: Rebuilding Ukraine
Full project title
26 Detached Family houses for IDPs and locals in the village of Staryy Bykov, Ukraine
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
The first steps to rebuild Ukraine.
Within six months, we've constructed 13 private houses in the de-occupied village of Stary Bykiv.
This construction was more than just bricks and mortar; it was about:
- breathing life into the village in post-war devastation;
- achieving this on a shoestring budget, in fact, within traditional temporary module plastic house costs;
- infusing the village with fresh energy and skills needed in the community.
Within six months, we've constructed 13 private houses in the de-occupied village of Stary Bykiv.
This construction was more than just bricks and mortar; it was about:
- breathing life into the village in post-war devastation;
- achieving this on a shoestring budget, in fact, within traditional temporary module plastic house costs;
- infusing the village with fresh energy and skills needed in the community.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Staryi Bykiv, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine, Ukraine
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The construction project in the recently liberated Ukrainian village of Stariy Bykiv aimed to address multiple challenges stemming from the aftermath of the Russian war in Ukraine. The primary objectives were to facilitate the return of the local community to normalcy, assist internally displaced persons (IDPs) who lost their homes due to conflict, and revitalize a declining rural area.
The project targeted Stariy Bykiv's local community, particularly those who lost their properties as a result of shelling and IDPs seeking new homes, employment, and assimilation opportunities.
We focused on several goals:
- Rebuilding houses on existing foundations for locals affected by conflict.
- Filling workforce gaps in the community.
- Assisting IDPs in acquiring new property, jobs, and integration.
- Shifting the local attitude towards IDPs from perceived risk to opportunity.
- Transforming traditional humanitarian aid into a sustainable, one-time assistance model.
Within six months, the project successfully met its initial goals and accomplished additional milestones:
- Thirteen local families regained their homes on existing foundations, restoring normalcy to their lives.
- Acquired two hectares of land in the same village for free (which is unbelievable in Ukraine).
- Constructed a new street with 13 houses dedicated to IDPs.
- Facilitated housing and employment for 13 IDPs.
- Contributed to workforce development, creating more opportunities within the community.
- Transformed the community's perception of IDPs, viewing them as valuable contributors.
- Established the first social living spaces in Ukraine, providing detached houses for families rather than temporary solutions.
- Showed the community how to work with donors for sustainable development.
This project is a testament to our commitment to rebuilding communities, fostering IDP assimilation, and implementing innovative solutions for lasting impact.
The project targeted Stariy Bykiv's local community, particularly those who lost their properties as a result of shelling and IDPs seeking new homes, employment, and assimilation opportunities.
We focused on several goals:
- Rebuilding houses on existing foundations for locals affected by conflict.
- Filling workforce gaps in the community.
- Assisting IDPs in acquiring new property, jobs, and integration.
- Shifting the local attitude towards IDPs from perceived risk to opportunity.
- Transforming traditional humanitarian aid into a sustainable, one-time assistance model.
Within six months, the project successfully met its initial goals and accomplished additional milestones:
- Thirteen local families regained their homes on existing foundations, restoring normalcy to their lives.
- Acquired two hectares of land in the same village for free (which is unbelievable in Ukraine).
- Constructed a new street with 13 houses dedicated to IDPs.
- Facilitated housing and employment for 13 IDPs.
- Contributed to workforce development, creating more opportunities within the community.
- Transformed the community's perception of IDPs, viewing them as valuable contributors.
- Established the first social living spaces in Ukraine, providing detached houses for families rather than temporary solutions.
- Showed the community how to work with donors for sustainable development.
This project is a testament to our commitment to rebuilding communities, fostering IDP assimilation, and implementing innovative solutions for lasting impact.
Key objectives for sustainability
The project's exemplary character in the New European Bauhaus core values is evident through its sustainable approach to community revitalization, resource efficiency, and innovative solutions to address the consequences of war and rural decline. It serves as a model for future endeavors seeking to harmonize human habitats with ecological and societal needs.
We rejected the conventional approach of establishing new housing in untouched areas. Instead, we revitalized existing residential zones, utilizing the infrastructure already dedicated to housing. This mitigated the need for additional resources, such as new roads and infrastructure, contributing to the project's sustainable character.
We transcended the temporary fixes often associated with post-conflict reconstruction, focusing on long-term community integration and resilience.
Recognizing the dual challenges of rural decline and a shortage of professionals, the project innovatively addressed both issues. It strategically filled workforce gaps by integrating internally displaced persons (IDPs) into rural community, aligning their skills with the community's needs. This synergy not only provided employment opportunities but also enhanced the overall functionality and vitality of the community.
Collaborating with donor partners, we meticulously calculated the average assistance cost covering temporary accommodation, food, hygiene, and more. This sum was then strategically allocated to construct durable family homes.
The provision of modern wooden houses equipped with all necessary amenities ensured a high living standard for the beneficiaries and underscored the project's commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly building materials.
Overall, we went beyond mere housing solutions, integrating IDPs into the community's social fabric. This comprehensive approach contributes to the sustainability of the project by fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement.
We rejected the conventional approach of establishing new housing in untouched areas. Instead, we revitalized existing residential zones, utilizing the infrastructure already dedicated to housing. This mitigated the need for additional resources, such as new roads and infrastructure, contributing to the project's sustainable character.
We transcended the temporary fixes often associated with post-conflict reconstruction, focusing on long-term community integration and resilience.
Recognizing the dual challenges of rural decline and a shortage of professionals, the project innovatively addressed both issues. It strategically filled workforce gaps by integrating internally displaced persons (IDPs) into rural community, aligning their skills with the community's needs. This synergy not only provided employment opportunities but also enhanced the overall functionality and vitality of the community.
Collaborating with donor partners, we meticulously calculated the average assistance cost covering temporary accommodation, food, hygiene, and more. This sum was then strategically allocated to construct durable family homes.
The provision of modern wooden houses equipped with all necessary amenities ensured a high living standard for the beneficiaries and underscored the project's commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly building materials.
Overall, we went beyond mere housing solutions, integrating IDPs into the community's social fabric. This comprehensive approach contributes to the sustainability of the project by fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
From an aesthetic and quality-of-life perspective, our project fundamentally differs from traditional aid approaches for those who have experienced loss, particularly in terms of housing. Traditional responses often involve placing individuals in non-aesthetic, ecologically unfriendly, and ultimately unpromising settings — plastic modular camps, dormitories, or inadequately constructed structures.
Our project addresses this challenge by providing an entirely different experience. Rather than confining people to isolated, aesthetically lacking environments, our initiative empowers them to regain normalcy. We reject the notion of perpetual humanitarian aid dependence and instead offer an opportunity for self-sufficiency.
The project delivers aesthetically pleasing, modern wooden houses built to European standards. These structures provide a bright, contemporary living environment with all essential amenities, promoting dignity and comfort. In addition, each resident receives a 0.3-acre plot, offering a chance to create their own space — whether for hobbies, barbeque, or more.
Residents received fully furnished homes with sanitation, heating alternatives, and cooking facilities, ensuring self-sufficiency even in the absence of external resources.
We go beyond providing shelter; we integrate individuals into existing communities, allowing them to be part of society. This community-centric approach fosters a sense of belonging and offers opportunities for employment, further enriching their quality of life.
In essence, our project redefines the aid narrative, focusing on empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute to and thrive within a community. The emphasis on aesthetics, sustainable design, and holistic living experiences makes this initiative exemplary in the realm of humanitarian assistance.
Our project addresses this challenge by providing an entirely different experience. Rather than confining people to isolated, aesthetically lacking environments, our initiative empowers them to regain normalcy. We reject the notion of perpetual humanitarian aid dependence and instead offer an opportunity for self-sufficiency.
The project delivers aesthetically pleasing, modern wooden houses built to European standards. These structures provide a bright, contemporary living environment with all essential amenities, promoting dignity and comfort. In addition, each resident receives a 0.3-acre plot, offering a chance to create their own space — whether for hobbies, barbeque, or more.
Residents received fully furnished homes with sanitation, heating alternatives, and cooking facilities, ensuring self-sufficiency even in the absence of external resources.
We go beyond providing shelter; we integrate individuals into existing communities, allowing them to be part of society. This community-centric approach fosters a sense of belonging and offers opportunities for employment, further enriching their quality of life.
In essence, our project redefines the aid narrative, focusing on empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute to and thrive within a community. The emphasis on aesthetics, sustainable design, and holistic living experiences makes this initiative exemplary in the realm of humanitarian assistance.
Key objectives for inclusion
The project arose amidst the challenging landscape of disability inclusivity in Ukraine, where individuals with disabilities face significant barriers, particularly in employment. Employers often harbor concerns about potential absenteeism and perceived lower productivity, while legislation protecting these individuals sometimes deters employers from hiring them. To challenge this system, our project not only focuses on providing housing but actively disrupts the prevailing employment paradigm.
Exemplary Aspects in Inclusion:
Disruptive Selection Process Design:
Our family selection process for resettled families incorporates a mathematical model that prioritizes individuals with disabilities and other socially vulnerable categories. This innovative approach gives genuine preference to those with disabilities over fully able-bodied individuals, challenging preconceived notions and fostering inclusivity.
Community Advocacy for Diverse Abilities:
Beyond selection, our community actively promotes the idea that individuals with disabilities possess unique capabilities, adding value to various aspects of life. By shifting the narrative, we aim to make individuals with disabilities more desirable candidates in the job market and ensure they feel welcomed and accepted within the community.
Flexible Home Designs for Accessibility:
Recognizing the diverse needs of our residents, all homes are designed with easy adaptability for individuals with limited mobility. If the need arises, we are committed to retrofitting homes to accommodate specific accessibility requirements, ensuring an inclusive living environment.
In essence, the project pioneers a paradigm shift in how society views and engages with individuals with disabilities. By addressing employment barriers, promoting inclusivity in community dynamics, and ensuring adaptable living spaces, our initiative stands as an exemplary model for fostering a more inclusive and accessible society.
Exemplary Aspects in Inclusion:
Disruptive Selection Process Design:
Our family selection process for resettled families incorporates a mathematical model that prioritizes individuals with disabilities and other socially vulnerable categories. This innovative approach gives genuine preference to those with disabilities over fully able-bodied individuals, challenging preconceived notions and fostering inclusivity.
Community Advocacy for Diverse Abilities:
Beyond selection, our community actively promotes the idea that individuals with disabilities possess unique capabilities, adding value to various aspects of life. By shifting the narrative, we aim to make individuals with disabilities more desirable candidates in the job market and ensure they feel welcomed and accepted within the community.
Flexible Home Designs for Accessibility:
Recognizing the diverse needs of our residents, all homes are designed with easy adaptability for individuals with limited mobility. If the need arises, we are committed to retrofitting homes to accommodate specific accessibility requirements, ensuring an inclusive living environment.
In essence, the project pioneers a paradigm shift in how society views and engages with individuals with disabilities. By addressing employment barriers, promoting inclusivity in community dynamics, and ensuring adaptable living spaces, our initiative stands as an exemplary model for fostering a more inclusive and accessible society.
Results in relation to category
District #1's project achieved significant outcomes, addressing key challenges in conflict-affected regions:
Housing:
Result: Constructed permanent homes for affected families.
Impact: Improved living conditions and stability.
Benefit: Enhanced quality of life for beneficiaries.
Employment:
Result: Created local jobs during construction.
Impact: Boosted economic growth and provided employment.
Benefit: Reduced dependency on external aid.
Food Security:
Result: Families manage food expenses independently.
Impact: Reduced reliance on food programs.
Benefit: Increased autonomy for beneficiaries.
Community Development:
Result: Implemented transparent resource distribution.
Impact: Fair allocation based on vulnerability.
Benefit: Fostering inclusivity and community strength.
Five-Year Follow-Up:
Result: Ongoing support for sustained progress.
Impact: Ensured long-term stability for families.
Benefit: Enhanced resilience and positive outcomes.
Overall Impact:
Result: Replicable model for conflict-affected regions.
Impact: Demonstrated efficient, sustainable solutions.
Benefit: A roadmap for global challenges at the local level.
Direct beneficiaries gained improved housing, employment, and food security, positively impacting their well-being. The community experienced economic growth, fair resource distribution, and ongoing support, contributing to overall stability. The adaptability and replicable elements make the project a valuable model for similar challenges in diverse contexts.
Housing:
Result: Constructed permanent homes for affected families.
Impact: Improved living conditions and stability.
Benefit: Enhanced quality of life for beneficiaries.
Employment:
Result: Created local jobs during construction.
Impact: Boosted economic growth and provided employment.
Benefit: Reduced dependency on external aid.
Food Security:
Result: Families manage food expenses independently.
Impact: Reduced reliance on food programs.
Benefit: Increased autonomy for beneficiaries.
Community Development:
Result: Implemented transparent resource distribution.
Impact: Fair allocation based on vulnerability.
Benefit: Fostering inclusivity and community strength.
Five-Year Follow-Up:
Result: Ongoing support for sustained progress.
Impact: Ensured long-term stability for families.
Benefit: Enhanced resilience and positive outcomes.
Overall Impact:
Result: Replicable model for conflict-affected regions.
Impact: Demonstrated efficient, sustainable solutions.
Benefit: A roadmap for global challenges at the local level.
Direct beneficiaries gained improved housing, employment, and food security, positively impacting their well-being. The community experienced economic growth, fair resource distribution, and ongoing support, contributing to overall stability. The adaptability and replicable elements make the project a valuable model for similar challenges in diverse contexts.
How Citizens benefit
The project has significantly impacted the community, providing comprehensive benefits that extend beyond the physical reconstruction of homes. We constructed 13 houses for local residents whose homes were demolished by missiles, allowing them to remain in their familiar surroundings. This preserved their homes and maintained their connections with neighbors and community life.
The project injected new life into the community by rebuilding homes and creating job opportunities. New residents filled vacancies in various roles, such as teachers, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs starting businesses within the community. This has led to increased economic activity and additional tax revenue for the community.
Existing residents resettled in their new homes and continued their lives seamlessly, preserving their gardens, relationships, and routines. The addition of newcomers has brought fresh perspectives and skills, contributing to a more vibrant and dynamic community.
Through this project, the community evolved into an active unit of civil society. Residents learned they have a say in their destiny, even seeking external support when state resources fall short. The community actively shares knowledge, embracing new technologies, and endorsing sustainable practices.
Remarkably, the community, through a non-governmental organization, allocated land for social housing for displaced individuals. This groundbreaking initiative marks the first instance in Ukraine where a community offered land for housing non-residents through a non-governmental entity, setting a precedent for other communities. As a result of this pioneering effort, eleven more communities have expressed interest in replicating the model.
Beyond the physical structures, the project instilled a sense of community identity and proactive engagement. While direct involvement in the construction process varied, the entire community embraced the idea of collective development.
The project injected new life into the community by rebuilding homes and creating job opportunities. New residents filled vacancies in various roles, such as teachers, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs starting businesses within the community. This has led to increased economic activity and additional tax revenue for the community.
Existing residents resettled in their new homes and continued their lives seamlessly, preserving their gardens, relationships, and routines. The addition of newcomers has brought fresh perspectives and skills, contributing to a more vibrant and dynamic community.
Through this project, the community evolved into an active unit of civil society. Residents learned they have a say in their destiny, even seeking external support when state resources fall short. The community actively shares knowledge, embracing new technologies, and endorsing sustainable practices.
Remarkably, the community, through a non-governmental organization, allocated land for social housing for displaced individuals. This groundbreaking initiative marks the first instance in Ukraine where a community offered land for housing non-residents through a non-governmental entity, setting a precedent for other communities. As a result of this pioneering effort, eleven more communities have expressed interest in replicating the model.
Beyond the physical structures, the project instilled a sense of community identity and proactive engagement. While direct involvement in the construction process varied, the entire community embraced the idea of collective development.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
In the realm of traditional assistance, the approach to addressing housing, job, and food problems often involves temporary modular houses, cash assistance, and food programs. However, the conventional model faces several limitations:
Housing Problem: Temporary Module Houses
Construction Cost: €15,000-€20,000
Land Cost: Significant, adding to the overall expense.
Job and Money Problem: Cash for Living
Cost: €500 per month = €6,000 per year.
Food Problem: Food Program
Cost: €50 per person = €1,800 per year per family.
Project Duration: Approximately one year.
Result:
Total Cost per Family for the First Year: More than €30,000.
No job, no permanent home, social downshifting, zero improvement in the situation.
Contrastingly, our innovative approach in District #1's Project revolutionizes the conventional paradigm:
Housing Problem: Permanent House
Construction Cost: €30,000.
Land Cost: FREE.
Job and Money Problem: Work in the Community Where the House is Being Built.
Cost: Zero.
Food Problem: Families have self-sufficiency.
Cost: ZERO.
Project Duration: About six months.
Result:
Total Cost per Family for the First Year: More than €30,000.
New job, new home, new life, improvement in the situation.
This innovative model addresses the same set of challenges and provides a sustainable and transformative solution. By focusing on permanent housing, local employment opportunities, and self-sufficiency in acquiring food, our project not only matches but surpasses traditional methods, offering long-term positive impacts on individuals and communities. The efficient use of resources and the incorporating of sustainable practices make our project a trailblazer in redefining assistance in this field.
Housing Problem: Temporary Module Houses
Construction Cost: €15,000-€20,000
Land Cost: Significant, adding to the overall expense.
Job and Money Problem: Cash for Living
Cost: €500 per month = €6,000 per year.
Food Problem: Food Program
Cost: €50 per person = €1,800 per year per family.
Project Duration: Approximately one year.
Result:
Total Cost per Family for the First Year: More than €30,000.
No job, no permanent home, social downshifting, zero improvement in the situation.
Contrastingly, our innovative approach in District #1's Project revolutionizes the conventional paradigm:
Housing Problem: Permanent House
Construction Cost: €30,000.
Land Cost: FREE.
Job and Money Problem: Work in the Community Where the House is Being Built.
Cost: Zero.
Food Problem: Families have self-sufficiency.
Cost: ZERO.
Project Duration: About six months.
Result:
Total Cost per Family for the First Year: More than €30,000.
New job, new home, new life, improvement in the situation.
This innovative model addresses the same set of challenges and provides a sustainable and transformative solution. By focusing on permanent housing, local employment opportunities, and self-sufficiency in acquiring food, our project not only matches but surpasses traditional methods, offering long-term positive impacts on individuals and communities. The efficient use of resources and the incorporating of sustainable practices make our project a trailblazer in redefining assistance in this field.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The design and implementation of our project spanned two major knowledge domains. The first, centered on the construction process, encompassed architecture, engineering design, and all technical aspects related to building. Although architects and designers focused on the physical elements, they remained detached from the social dynamics.
The second substantial group pertained to the softer aspects often termed human engineering. This involved human psychology, particularly social psychology, and was geared towards establishing effective communication with various stakeholders. The emphasis was on persuading people to engage in our non-commercial project, conveying that it presented an opportunity rather than a risk. This involved nuanced strategies to alter opinions, minds, and potentially even mindsets for success.
While these two knowledge fields might seem unrelated, they unexpectedly intersected during the project. Constructors learned that building numerous objects with a limited budget in a year provided more variability in outcomes than constructing fewer houses at a higher cost.
Another dimension of social engineering focused on collaboration with partners, individuals, and companies. Here, we urged them to contribute to our cause, emphasizing the dual opportunities for them and the project. This approach proved pivotal in sourcing materials, especially ecologically friendly ones, at reasonable costs. It allowed us to integrate sustainable solutions into the construction process, contributing to the feasibility of our project.
In essence, these knowledge fields, though distinct, found unexpected intersections, addressing the diverse needs of our project. The added value lies in the holistic approach, where the technical and social aspects complement each other, resulting in a more comprehensive and successful implementation.
The second substantial group pertained to the softer aspects often termed human engineering. This involved human psychology, particularly social psychology, and was geared towards establishing effective communication with various stakeholders. The emphasis was on persuading people to engage in our non-commercial project, conveying that it presented an opportunity rather than a risk. This involved nuanced strategies to alter opinions, minds, and potentially even mindsets for success.
While these two knowledge fields might seem unrelated, they unexpectedly intersected during the project. Constructors learned that building numerous objects with a limited budget in a year provided more variability in outcomes than constructing fewer houses at a higher cost.
Another dimension of social engineering focused on collaboration with partners, individuals, and companies. Here, we urged them to contribute to our cause, emphasizing the dual opportunities for them and the project. This approach proved pivotal in sourcing materials, especially ecologically friendly ones, at reasonable costs. It allowed us to integrate sustainable solutions into the construction process, contributing to the feasibility of our project.
In essence, these knowledge fields, though distinct, found unexpected intersections, addressing the diverse needs of our project. The added value lies in the holistic approach, where the technical and social aspects complement each other, resulting in a more comprehensive and successful implementation.
Methodology used
The project adopts a unique approach focused on empowering individuals facing challenges, aiming to create a sustainable impact that mitigates the need for ongoing assistance. The methodology is straightforward and effective:
1. We designed a specialized frame house project tailored for individuals who have lost their homes.
2. We identified a community in the Chernihiv region that generously provided us with 2 hectares of land within the village. This land was granted free of charge after we constructed new houses for local residents whose homes were destroyed by missiles.
3. The project's core involved housing construction, providing permanent and stable housing solutions.
4. We established a transparent contest to identify beneficiaries for the new houses, ensuring fairness and inclusivity. Utilized DIlA integration to authenticate and verify official documents, streamlining the documentation process.
Implemented a rigorous scoring model that prioritized more vulnerable individuals, emphasizing a fair and equitable selection process.
Engaged a three-sided jury representing District #1, Help, and community authorities to ensure diverse perspectives in the decision-making process.
5. A crucial aspect of the methodology is the commitment to stay connected with the beneficiaries for five years. This extended monitoring period enables us to assess and control the evolving situations of the individuals and families involved.
This comprehensive approach addresses the immediate need for housing and incorporates a transparent and inclusive selection process. The methodology ensures fairness and effectiveness by integrating technology for document verification and employing a scoring model that prioritizes vulnerability. The long-term engagement strategy demonstrates a commitment to sustained impact, aiming to empower individuals to overcome challenges and build a better future for themselves and their communities.
1. We designed a specialized frame house project tailored for individuals who have lost their homes.
2. We identified a community in the Chernihiv region that generously provided us with 2 hectares of land within the village. This land was granted free of charge after we constructed new houses for local residents whose homes were destroyed by missiles.
3. The project's core involved housing construction, providing permanent and stable housing solutions.
4. We established a transparent contest to identify beneficiaries for the new houses, ensuring fairness and inclusivity. Utilized DIlA integration to authenticate and verify official documents, streamlining the documentation process.
Implemented a rigorous scoring model that prioritized more vulnerable individuals, emphasizing a fair and equitable selection process.
Engaged a three-sided jury representing District #1, Help, and community authorities to ensure diverse perspectives in the decision-making process.
5. A crucial aspect of the methodology is the commitment to stay connected with the beneficiaries for five years. This extended monitoring period enables us to assess and control the evolving situations of the individuals and families involved.
This comprehensive approach addresses the immediate need for housing and incorporates a transparent and inclusive selection process. The methodology ensures fairness and effectiveness by integrating technology for document verification and employing a scoring model that prioritizes vulnerability. The long-term engagement strategy demonstrates a commitment to sustained impact, aiming to empower individuals to overcome challenges and build a better future for themselves and their communities.
How stakeholders are engaged
The collaborative ecosystem resembles a puzzle, with each stakeholder contributing essential elements. European donors brought financial stability. Local representatives ensured on-ground success, community residents shaped development, and displaced individuals found new opportunities. Municipalities acted as vigilant overseers, learning from the project for potential replication. This collaboration resulted in a well-rounded, impactful project, not only reconstructing homes but empowering communities and individuals for a sustainable future.
Donor (German NGO Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe):
Role: Provided financial support and expertise in crafting sustainable aid models.
Involvement: Actively participated in project development, sharing insights.
Added Value: Their financial backing and strategic guidance elevated the project's effectiveness.
Ukrainian branch of Help:
Role: Worked closely with our team on daily project development.
Involvement: Collaborated intensively, sharing operational expertise.
Added Value: Their hands-on involvement ensured seamless implementation and enriched the project.
Community Residents:
Role: Primary beneficiaries receiving homes, education, and healthcare.
Involvement: Actively participated in shaping community development.
Added Value: Their engagement created a vibrant, self-aware community, contributing to sustained growth.
Displaced Families (Beneficiaries):
Role: Received houses, employment, and prospects for a new life.
Involvement: Actively embraced opportunities facilitated by the project.
Added Value: The project provided a fresh start, fostering integration and a sense of belonging.
Municipalities:
Role: Local representatives overseeing the community and other municipalities.
Involvement: Actively collaborated, supporting the initiative and monitoring progress.
Added Value: Their initiative was crucial for the project's realization, ensuring knowledge-sharing for potential replication.
Donor (German NGO Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe):
Role: Provided financial support and expertise in crafting sustainable aid models.
Involvement: Actively participated in project development, sharing insights.
Added Value: Their financial backing and strategic guidance elevated the project's effectiveness.
Ukrainian branch of Help:
Role: Worked closely with our team on daily project development.
Involvement: Collaborated intensively, sharing operational expertise.
Added Value: Their hands-on involvement ensured seamless implementation and enriched the project.
Community Residents:
Role: Primary beneficiaries receiving homes, education, and healthcare.
Involvement: Actively participated in shaping community development.
Added Value: Their engagement created a vibrant, self-aware community, contributing to sustained growth.
Displaced Families (Beneficiaries):
Role: Received houses, employment, and prospects for a new life.
Involvement: Actively embraced opportunities facilitated by the project.
Added Value: The project provided a fresh start, fostering integration and a sense of belonging.
Municipalities:
Role: Local representatives overseeing the community and other municipalities.
Involvement: Actively collaborated, supporting the initiative and monitoring progress.
Added Value: Their initiative was crucial for the project's realization, ensuring knowledge-sharing for potential replication.
Global challenges
The project addresses global challenges through local solutions tailored to conflict and displacement, accounting for urban density and rural decline. Unlike traditional aid relying on costly temporary solutions, our innovative approach in District #1 provides transformative solutions:
Housing: Sustainable Urban and Rural Homes
To address urban density, we offer permanent houses at lower costs (30,000 EUR) with free rural land. This ensures lasting solutions and alleviates urban housing strain.
Employment: Community Jobs in Rural Areas
Traditional cash assistance is replaced with community employment, which is vital for declining rural areas. This zero-cost solution provides jobs, reviving local economies.
Food: Self-Sufficiency in Rural Settings
Unlike food programs, families buy food themselves, reducing costs to zero. This aids rural self-sufficiency and local economic development.
Project Duration: Efficient Implementation Everywhere
Our methodology targets a six-month completion, adapting to diverse urban and rural contexts for swift, impactful transitions.
Overall Impact on Urban and Rural Resilience
Adaptable to urban density and rural decline, our project's innovative elements ensure fairness and inclusivity. The transparent contest, DIlA integration, and rigorous scoring model demonstrate commitment. The five-year follow-up provides continuous support.
In essence, our local solution challenges traditional aid, offering a comprehensive, adaptable approach to global challenges related to conflict and displacement. This project's replicable elements make it a model for addressing urban and rural complexities in diverse landscapes.
Housing: Sustainable Urban and Rural Homes
To address urban density, we offer permanent houses at lower costs (30,000 EUR) with free rural land. This ensures lasting solutions and alleviates urban housing strain.
Employment: Community Jobs in Rural Areas
Traditional cash assistance is replaced with community employment, which is vital for declining rural areas. This zero-cost solution provides jobs, reviving local economies.
Food: Self-Sufficiency in Rural Settings
Unlike food programs, families buy food themselves, reducing costs to zero. This aids rural self-sufficiency and local economic development.
Project Duration: Efficient Implementation Everywhere
Our methodology targets a six-month completion, adapting to diverse urban and rural contexts for swift, impactful transitions.
Overall Impact on Urban and Rural Resilience
Adaptable to urban density and rural decline, our project's innovative elements ensure fairness and inclusivity. The transparent contest, DIlA integration, and rigorous scoring model demonstrate commitment. The five-year follow-up provides continuous support.
In essence, our local solution challenges traditional aid, offering a comprehensive, adaptable approach to global challenges related to conflict and displacement. This project's replicable elements make it a model for addressing urban and rural complexities in diverse landscapes.
Learning transferred to other parties
The replicability of our project lies in its adaptable elements and methodology, making it transferrable to various contexts and beneficiary groups. Key aspects that can be replicated include:
Frame House Design:
The versatile frame house design for displaced individuals can be replicated in regions facing similar challenges.
Community Engagement Model:
Collaborative efforts with the Chernihiv community, securing free land, offer a replicable model for partnerships in diverse communities.
Transparent Contest Structure:
The fair beneficiary selection process can be replicated in various settings using technology for authentication and scoring vulnerable groups higher.
Long-Term Monitoring:
The commitment to five years of monitoring sets a standard for assessing long-term impact, a strategy transferrable to ensure sustained positive outcomes.
Scalability in Ukrainian Communities:
The step-by-step scaling within Ukraine demonstrates adaptability to diverse communities facing housing challenges due to conflict.
Addressing Real Needs in Conflict Zones:
The project's response to urgent housing needs in conflict areas provides a model for similar initiatives.
Community Empowerment:
The focus on empowering communities aligns with replicable principles for fostering resilience in various contexts.
These elements provide a blueprint for stakeholders addressing housing challenges and empowering communities in crises. The step-by-step expansion within Ukraine indicates a path toward self-sufficiency and resilience.
Frame House Design:
The versatile frame house design for displaced individuals can be replicated in regions facing similar challenges.
Community Engagement Model:
Collaborative efforts with the Chernihiv community, securing free land, offer a replicable model for partnerships in diverse communities.
Transparent Contest Structure:
The fair beneficiary selection process can be replicated in various settings using technology for authentication and scoring vulnerable groups higher.
Long-Term Monitoring:
The commitment to five years of monitoring sets a standard for assessing long-term impact, a strategy transferrable to ensure sustained positive outcomes.
Scalability in Ukrainian Communities:
The step-by-step scaling within Ukraine demonstrates adaptability to diverse communities facing housing challenges due to conflict.
Addressing Real Needs in Conflict Zones:
The project's response to urgent housing needs in conflict areas provides a model for similar initiatives.
Community Empowerment:
The focus on empowering communities aligns with replicable principles for fostering resilience in various contexts.
These elements provide a blueprint for stakeholders addressing housing challenges and empowering communities in crises. The step-by-step expansion within Ukraine indicates a path toward self-sufficiency and resilience.
Keywords
Revitalization
Reconstruction
Responsiveness
Return
Relief
