April 30, 2026 — New affordable housing for internally displaced persons was officially opened in Kalush. 

The former “Zirochka” kindergarten, which had stood empty for over twenty years, was renovated and transformed into a modern living space for people who were forced to leave their homes due to the war.

The building houses 48 apartments that can accommodate up to 150 people. Most of the new residents are women and children from communities affected by the war.

The official opening ceremony, held on April 30, brought together residents of Kalush, the building’s new residents, representatives of local and national government, the mayor, as well as international and national partners who contributed to the project.

The opening of “Zirochka” is an important step for Kalush, where more than 4,500 internally displaced persons currently live out of a total population of over 65,000 residents. Like many other communities in Ukraine, Kalush faces an acute shortage of social and affordable housing. Against the backdrop of the ongoing war and forced displacement, the need for safe, decent, and affordable housing continues to grow.

To transform the building into modern housing, it was renovated both inside and out. During the extensive renovation, the building’s layout was altered, new interior walls were erected, the roof was completely replaced, and key utility systems (electrical wiring, ventilation, water supply, sewage, and other utilities) were modernized. The building was also equipped to accommodate people with disabilities.

“We used to rent an apartment, but it was in very poor condition. Everything there was old. But here, everything is brand new, just like it used to be in my apartment before we left our home in Dobropillia. We like it here,” – Antonina, a resident of Zirochka.

The building meets high energy efficiency standards (Class B), which will allow residents to spend less on utilities. Additionally, the building is well-insulated, so heat will be retained longer in the rooms and provide comfortable living conditions.

The new housing was designed with the needs of the people who will live here in mind. The building is located in the city center, close to schools, shops, public transportation stops, and other essential services. The residential complex features common areas for residents, as well as a green space near the building with trees and a spot where residents can plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables. The apartments are equipped with basic furniture and household items, so people can move in right away and gradually settle into their new life.

“In times of war and forced displacement, housing is not an abstract issue. It’s about safety, dignity, stability, and the chance to rebuild one’s life,” said Anna Pashynska, architect and co-founder of СO-HATY and METALAB.

Living in the complex remains affordable: residents will pay a monthly service fee and utility bills based on meter readings. The service fee will depend on the size and type of unit and is estimated to range from 1,900 to 6,600 UAH per month.

The project was implemented by Habitat for Humanity, METALAB, CO-HATY, and the Kalush City Council over the course of more than 18 months of close collaboration. Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH) was the project’s largest donor, while more than 20 national and international partners contributed to its implementation in various ways, with the active participation of local authorities and the community. The total construction cost was 798 euros per square meter and included all work performed, finishing, furnishing, obtaining permits, and other related expenses.

The housing project in Kalush is a pilot initiative based on a new housing policy framework in Ukraine. Its implementation is linked to the recently adopted Law “On the Principles of Housing Policy,” passed in January 2026, which launches a full-scale housing reform and creates conditions for the development of social and affordable housing.