warm homes for war victims

Basic information

Project Title

Full project title

warm homes for war victims

Project Description

Many houses and flats have been completely destroyed in Ukraine and are cut out. However, there are definitely more partially damaged houses that are fit for living after minor repairs. We have prepared in Poland kits for the installation of temporary windows with a double transparent membrane. It is really enough that mothers with children have to run away to shelters or basements every day. We want to give them some light and warmth for those short moments when they can enjoy the sun.

Geographical Scope

Cross-border/international

Project Region

CROSS-BORDER/INTERNATIONAL: Poland, Other

Urban or rural issues

Mainly urban

Physical or other transformations

It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

EU Programme or fund

Description of the project

Summary

We helped suffering people that, through the actions of war in Ukraine, have nowhere to live and shelter from the winter.
Many houses and flats have been completely destroyed and are cut out. However, there are definitely more partially damaged houses that are fit for living after minor repairs.
We acted quickly, before frost, rain and snow came.

We listened to local volunteers and intervention construction teams on post occupation areas and thanks to the coordination of local non-goverment humanitarian organization we delivered and installed what is really needed to the Kharkiv and Donetsk Oblasts and wherever it is needed.

It was the pressing need to repair broken windows. It is known how difficult it is to deliver new windows or glazing units in a short time. One can also board windows with chipboard, but it is really enough that mothers with children have to run away to shelters or basements every day. They don't have to live in the dark all the time. We wanted to give them some light and warmth for those short moments in winter when they can enjoy the sun.

We prepared kits for the installation of temporary windows with a double transparent membrane. Even a not very skilled construction team is able to install a window of any required size within a maximum of an hour!

Key objectives for sustainability

The main objective of the project was to enable efficiently the using and living in existing houses, without the need to build new ones.
The project was based on the maximum simplification of available technologies to the conditions of war.
Resources already in stock have been acquired.
The supplied windows are assembled on site. Material waste is zero or minimal as it is assembled to the desired size.

Key objectives for aesthetics and quality

The project, on a social scale, has reduced the need for many people to migrate. Having the opportunity to live in their homes, they did not have to flee to refugee shelters.
In addition, it made it possible for those people who have the most serious difficulty in moving to stay at home. Elderly, sick or disabled people.

Key objectives for inclusion

Folding windows were completely free for victims of war. All they had to do was report the need to the local humanitarian organization and the volunteers brought the necessary materials, measured the damaged window openings on the spot and installed the double-layer membranes.

Results in relation to category

The quantifiable result of the project was making it possible for several dozen families to live in their own homes in the post-occupation areas, destroyed by warfare.
The immeasurable result of the project was hope in human solidarity and love, passed on to those who suffer innocently.

How Citizens benefit

The initiative was completely bottom-up. An online collection was organized in Poland. Funds were collected on an ongoing basis to purchase the necessary materials. Volunteers transported the purchased equipment and materials directly to Kyiv, from where it was transported further to the frontline areas. There, local volunteers responded to the urgent needs of people whose homes had been destroyed during the war.

Physical or other transformations

It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

Innovative character

Transparent, membrane, folded in place windows in war conditions replace fibreboards, allowing you to live in rooms with access to daylight, providing protection against cold and frost.
Very quick installation allows the rooms to be made available in a short time.

Disciplines/knowledge reflected

The design uses the most simplified textile and membrane architecture.
The technology has been adapted to the conditions of war, so that the costs are low, to meet the requirements of logistics and distribution in war conditions and quick assembly in the shortest possible time, to any size needed.

Methodology used

At first, the project was an emotional response to help.
In the next steps, a list of needs was prepared, specific packages suitable for transport and prepared for efficient operation.
Funding the project through fundraising was an important element. However, the most important factor at each stage was the human desire to help.

How stakeholders are engaged

The project at every level was led by local volunteers.
The most important experience that united all people involved in the project was the incredible human solidarity that connects individuals during the crisis of war.

Global challenges

First of all, during the implementation of the project, solutions that can be implemented in other places affected by the crisis were tested. The local verification concerned the technology used and the organization of help based on the involvement of volunteers at every stage of the project.

Learning transferred to other parties

The simplified technology of folding windows, which was created during the project, can be implemented in any humanitarian crisis, war or natural disaster situation in any corner of the globe.
We are currently working on an extensive technology to deliver foldable homes to those whose homes have been completely destroyed.