Over the past year, more than 14 million people have left the country. The reason why a significant percentage of citizens will never return is that they literally have nowhere to go back to. Their homes have been destroyed as a result of hostilities, rocket attacks, or are occupied.

Assessing the scale of the problem, the charitable organisation District #1, with the participation and funding of Bacardi-Martini Ukraine, has launched a large-scale project to build a neighbourhood for 10 IDP families in the Kyiv region.

The team had already conducted extensive research on the site in the village of Hermanivka, including an analysis of the geographical, geological and urban planning conditions. Since the goal was not only to create a place to live, but also to provide conditions for sustainable development and self-sufficiency for the families, we chose the concept of individual houses, which best suits the rural lifestyle.

We, as the District #1 Foundation, have taken on the responsibility not only to erect buildings [actually walls], but also to reintegrate people into communities. Therefore, in this project, one of the key emphases is to strengthen the employability and social activity of residents. In simple terms, when choosing beneficiaries, we gave priority to those people whose speciality and work experience will allow them to get a job and develop in the local community.

Another important condition for obtaining housing was the presence of minor children in the family. Providing stable housing for such families is the basis for creating a safe environment where children can grow up and learn. This is our investment in rebuilding an entire generation that will shape the future of Ukraine.

We have ambitious plans: by the end of 2024, we will have built the frames of all 10 houses, and in the spring of 2025, we will have completed the project and handed over the keys to the houses to their new owners. These homes will be modern, energy-efficient, with flexible layouts that adapt to the needs of families.

In the almost three years of the great war, this is the first time that an international company of Bacardi-Martini Ukraine’s scale has allocated a significant budget to rebuild housing for Ukrainians. Together, we are laying the foundation for Ukraine’s global recovery.

Stay tuned for more project news as we are now halfway through — 50% of the work is already done.