The Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced over 12 million people to leave their homes, with more than 6.5 million people seeking shelter in the western region of the country. This influx has put enormous pressure on social and affordable housing, which was already in very short supply due to the national policy which favours private ownership. Vulnerable and often traumatised displaced people are forced to endure further hardship and distress by sheltering in the only emergency accommodation available: usually public buildings like schools.
Thankfully, the CO-HATY emergency housing project was launched. It works with local government and a large network of agencies to convert abandoned post-Soviet municipal buildings into good-quality interim accommodation, which can be transitioned to flexible social housing after the war.With the support of local government and a large network of agencies, CO-HATY has so far raised over $1.3 million USD to renovate four buildings, providing housing for 640 IDPs in 2022. The project planned to renovate three more buildings and scale up to 7 in total for around 1300 residents in 2023.
As well as providing short-term emergency accommodation, which is desperately needed, the project offers residents much needed opportunities for social interaction and employment, in some cases. METALAB is working closely with international organisations and municipal governments to influence long-term urban development strategy. CO-HATY aims to offer Ukraine a viable alternative to the current reliance on privately owned housing and believes its model can help vulnerable people to access decent, safe, affordable and permanent homes after the conflict.
