New research shows Ukrainians fleeing the frontline are ending up on the streets
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has led to a sharp rise in homelessness in the country, with almost a quarter (22%) of those sleeping rough becoming homeless as a direct consequence of being displaced during the conflict.
The most comprehensive look at homelessness in Ukraine to date, published today by international homelessness charity Depaul International, shows how after losing their homes, jobs, support network and belongings people trying to rebuild their lives in a new place are experiencing homelessness.
A staggering 3.5 million people in Ukraine have been forced to leave their homes, and two million have had their homes destroyed or damaged.
“My house in Vovchansk [Kharkiv region] burnt down, I moved and gave my beloved dogs to volunteers in a shelter. I lived under occupation. I saw horrors. I jumped when hiding from explosions and broke both my legs during the war. One leg did not fuse up properly, there was no one to help me put a cast on it, now I limp with a cane. I have no money, no job. I do not know where I will live next.” Oleksandr*, Kharkiv
The report also shows people due for release from prison and formerly imprisoned people are also at heightened risk as often they do not have secure accommodation available when leaving. 31% of those experiencing rough sleeping report having been in prison and 41% report having a criminal record.
Many people accessing rough sleeping services report to have experienced violence. Seven in ten people (69%) said they have experienced violence on the streets, a quarter (24%) of those sleeping on the street are survivors of domestic violence, rising to half (50%) of women interviewed.
Other drivers of homelessness include eviction (29%), family conflict (24%) and loss of employment (22%) and physical health needs of those on the streets was high (69%).
A third of respondents said they need help finding permanent accommodation, help with medical assistance and help with legal advice. Yet for those sleeping rough and in emergency shelters less than 1% of individuals reported receiving support outside of Depaul Ukraine’s services and not a single person said they had received mental health support from another organisation.
Group CEO of Depaul International, Matthew Carter said:
“The United Nations describes conflict as a ‘systematic driver’ of homelessness globally and our dedicated team in Ukraine are seeing the reality of this on their streets. Being forced to leave your home, job and belongings at short notice places an unimaginable strain on people with each move bringing further uncertainty.
“Despite this, help for those experiencing homelessness and who need it most is alarmingly limited. In the third year of the conflict, we must tackle this crisis head on and plan for the long-term impacts of the war. We all urgently need to do more to support those who have already had to give up so much.”
Recommendations in the report include improving access to existing services for people sleeping rough, reducing barriers to services for people with addiction issues, improving services for survivors of domestic violence and better support for people leaving the military, hospitals and prisons. The report stresses the need to ensure availability of housing as a priority, with a third of respondents expressing a desire to find permanent accommodation.
Anna Skoryk, Interim CEO of Depaul Ukraine said:
“Homelessness is another challenge our country is facing because of the war, after thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. We must address this crisis, but it cannot be solved by one organaisation alone. We need to unite to support those experiencing homelessness, to find solutions and raise awareness.”
