At OpenDoorUkraine.NL (ODU) we are not waiting for the war to end when the major reconstruction begins, but we have already started to support Ukraine in repairing the damage caused by Russian aggression. Since the invasion in February 2022, ODU has remained steadfast in its commitment to restore homes and key community facilities, such as schools and hospitals, and provide shelter to Ukrainians facing unprecedented challenges.
Our current projects near Kiev
In August 2022, we launched our early reconstruction projects with the restoration of three residential buildings in Irpin, near Kiev, which were severely damaged during the brief Russian occupation in March 2022. Immediate measures were taken to secure these structures, starting with roof structures. repairs, followed by extensive facade and insulation repair. Currently, these initial projects have been completed, allowing approximately 600 residents, many of whom are internally displaced persons (IDPs) or refugees, to return to their homes. Three more roof restoration projects are currently underway in Irpin.
ODU’s instrumental role in facilitating this restoration work included direct funding for the homeowners associations that manage the restoration work themselves. Working with local authorities, the State Energy Efficiency Fund and other organisations, our support has fostered collaboration between stakeholders and provided vital external funding.
Expand our assistance throughout Ukraine
After Irpin, we expanded our activities and support to other temporarily occupied regions, which have been liberated and have become relatively safe areas. Recent achievements include, for example, the successful repair of the roof of a large residential building in Balakliia (Kharkov region), allowing up to 500 displaced persons and refugees to return and resume their livelihoods. In Trostianets (Sumy region) we helped renovate two buildings as shelters for internally displaced people (later to be used as social care homes for the elderly). We expect to soon also become active in the Mykolaiv region.
ODU is now registered in Ukraine and has an office in Kiev, receiving funding for new projects from organizations such as Oxfam, the Refugee Foundation, the Dutch Embassy in Kiev and more. All these efforts are aimed at helping Ukrainians stay or return to relatively safe areas, rebuild the roofs over their heads and restore their livelihoods. They also directly stimulate the local economy.
Broadening the scope of our mission
We have also expanded the scope of our assistance to include projects with significant community impact. This involves the repair and restoration of schools, local health facilities and social care homes. Notable recent achievements include the restoration of three village schools in Trostianets, Makariv (Kiev region) and Chernihiv. Work is also underway to repair the roof of a social care home for people with intellectual disabilities in Oskil (Kharkov region), as well as a regional hospital in Vilniansk (Zaporizzhhe region). More projects are planned for the Mykolaiv region in 2023.
Looking forward
Much of the destruction in Ukraine has left rural homes in ruins, leaving entire villages in need of assistance. ODU has ambitious plans, with a pilot project to begin rebuilding Novoselivka, a village near Chernihiv that was nearly wiped out. Our goal is to create cost-effective, fast-to-build and sustainable permanent housing, allowing residents to return to their normal lives while revitalizing the local economy.
As we continue to help Ukrainians restore their homes and communal facilities, follow us for more updates on ODU’s