Habitat for Humanity has been supporting shelter needs in Central and Eastern Europe since 1992. Residents of the region are now facing what the United Nations is warning could be Europe’s largest refugee crisis of this century, as the conflict in Ukraine is forcing families fearing for their lives to flee their homes and travel to neighbouring countries.
Millions of refugees have already fled Ukraine. The result is a urgent need for emergency and long-term shelter.
Habitat for Humanity is well positioned to respond to these urgent needs. Our teams of shelter experts are already working with other aid organisations and Government officials at the border in Romania and Hungary. Habitat is also collaborating with partners in Poland and Slovakia.
All funds raised for this appeal by Habitat for Humanity New Zealand will go to the wider Habitat for Humanity network in Central and Eastern Europe. Habitat for Humanity International committed US$350,000 to ramp up our initial response. The need is great, and we are fundraising for a two-pronged approach to reducing the vulnerability of refugee families by supporting refugees on the move and helping them advance along a path to permanent, durable shelter.
