The Government of Ukraine has launched a pilot project under which internally displaced persons will be able to obtain housing in rural areas on a rent-free basis. UAH 500 million in state funding has been allocated for the initiative.
Under the programme, residential houses in villages will be purchased into the communal ownership of territorial communities, after which they will be provided to IDPs for living. The project is intended both to support people who have lost their homes due to the war and to promote the development of rural areas and the integration of displaced persons into the life of host communities.
Internally displaced persons may apply to take part if they have moved from areas where hostilities are ongoing or from temporarily occupied territories, do not have housing suitable for living or have lost the ability to use it due to destruction or damage, have not received compensation for destroyed housing, and meet other conditions set out in the Project Implementation Procedure.
Priority for receiving housing will be given to large families, persons with disabilities and families raising children with disabilities, orphans and children deprived of parental care, as well as persons from among them, and also older people.
The mechanism provides that an internally displaced person, together with the local self-government body, selects a residential house that meets the established requirements. Once an application is submitted, the property is inspected and assessed. If funding is approved, the community purchases the house into communal ownership and transfers it to the applicant for rent-free use.
The housing use agreement is concluded for a period of up to three years, with the possibility of extension in accordance with current legislation. The government project aims to expand housing options for IDPs, support the development of rural areas and strengthen the social cohesion of communities.