EU and Nefco Transform University Facilities into Social Housing for IDPs in Ivano-Frankivsk

EU and Nefco Transform University Facilities into Social Housing for IDPs in Ivano-Frankivsk

(IN BRIEF) In response to the pressing need for safe housing for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ivano-Frankivsk, a city in western Ukraine, the European Union and Nefco have undertaken a transformative initiative. With approximately 41,000 IDPs seeking refuge in the city, a university dormitory and an administrative building were revamped into energy-efficient social housing under the “EU Support for Urgent Housing Needs for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ukraine” program. The EUR 2.2 million project, managed by Nefco, has converted the dormitory to accommodate 150 IDPs and the administrative building to house 40 residents, providing essential amenities and furnishings. The initiative aims to ease the strain on local infrastructure while offering a stable living environment for those displaced by conflict. Grateful residents like Alla and Halyna share their stories of resilience and hope for Ukraine’s future, as the EU emphasizes its commitment to humanitarian aid and sustainable development in the region.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 6-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Ivano-Frankivsk, a bustling regional center in western Ukraine, home to approximately 240,000 residents, has emerged as a crucial haven for those displaced by conflict. With its relative distance from active combat zones, the city has become a sanctuary for approximately 41,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) urgently seeking secure and decent housing.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the European Union and Nefco, a notable transformation has taken place. A once-university dormitory and administrative building in Ivano-Frankivsk have been repurposed into energy-efficient social housing for IDPs under the “EU Support for Urgent Housing Needs for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ukraine” program.

With a total budget of EUR 2.2 million allocated to the project, the renovated dormitory now stands ready to accommodate 150 IDPs, while the administrative building can house an additional 40 residents. These refurbishments, made possible through modern energy-efficient solutions, mark a significant step in addressing the pressing need for livable spaces for those displaced by conflict.

Ruslan Martsinkiv, Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, expressed gratitude for the EU’s unwavering support, highlighting the city’s longstanding partnership with Nefco in enhancing various aspects of urban infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of providing stable housing for those forced to relocate due to the ongoing conflict, affirming the city’s commitment to facilitating their integration and long-term settlement.

The revamped facilities boast a range of enhancements aimed at maximizing comfort and sustainability. From the installation of individual heating substations to the incorporation of solar power stations for electricity supply, every effort has been made to ensure that the housing units meet the highest standards of efficiency and functionality.

Among the beneficiaries of this initiative are Alla and Halyna, two displaced individuals who found refuge in Ivano-Frankivsk. Alla, who fled Mariupol with her family, has already secured employment in her new surroundings, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like these in offering hope and stability to displaced families.

Similarly, Halyna, originally from the Zaporizhzhia region, expressed gratitude for the newfound sense of security provided by her new apartment. Despite the comfort found in their new abode, Halyna’s family remains hopeful for the eventual restoration of their hometown, underscoring the enduring ties to their roots.

Jocelin Cornet, representing the EU Delegation to Ukraine, commended the transformative impact of the Ivano-Frankivsk project, emphasizing its dual role in addressing humanitarian needs and advancing Ukraine’s green agenda. Likewise, Ronny Nilsson of Nefco highlighted the project’s contribution to Ukraine’s energy resilience and sustainability, underscoring the organization’s commitment to supporting local communities in times of crisis.

The reconstruction of housing for IDPs in Ivano-Frankivsk serves as a beacon of hope amidst adversity, symbolizing the collective efforts of the international community to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people in their quest for stability and resilience.

About the Neighbourhood Investment Platform (NIP)

The Neighbourhood Investment Platform (NIP) is a mechanism aimed at mobilising additional funding to finance capital-intensive infrastructure projects in EU partner countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) in sectors such as transport, energy, environment and social development. The NIP also supports the private sector, mainly through investment grants and risk capital operations targeting small and medium-sized enterprises. The NIP strives to pool grant resources from the EU budget and EU Member States and use them to leverage loans from European Financial Institutions as well as contributions from the ENP partner countries themselves. In this way, the EU backs its neighbours’ priorities and supports them in carrying out key investments and boosting economic development.

Media Contacts:

Ronny Nilsson
Senior Adviser, Nefco
ronny.nilsson@nefco.int
+358 10 618 0642

Andriy Katashov
Technical Adviser, Nefco
A.Katashov@nefco.org.ua
+380 96 299 65 70

SOURCE: Nefco