Denmark to start three social housing projects in Ukraine

Denmark has launched the "Ukrainian Housing for All" foundation, which is focused on developing affordable rental housing in Ukraine based on the state's previous experience.

What is the problem?

According to the Kyiv School of Economics, Ukraine's housing stock war damage exceeds $54 billion. Thousands of civilians have lost their homes, as they were destroyed by the Russian shelling.

Ukraine is facing the priority of providing people with the housing they currently do not have.

"The war in Ukraine is a tragedy with many victims and destruction. However, in the process of rebuilding the country, there is an opportunity to make things better than before for the benefit of the people of Ukraine," said Bent Madsen, CEO of the Danish Federation of Nonprofit Housing.

What is the solution?

The Ukrainian Housing for All Foundation will focus on developing a housing concept based on the local model for civilians.

Denmark hosts over one million people in social housing, and the model has existed for over 100 years. The fund plans to implement three pilot projects in cities affected by the Russian war.

How does it work?

Danish social housing, known as alment boligbyggeri, is owned and managed by municipal non-profit organizations.

Non-profit housing is accessible regardless of income, social status, or age. Rents in social housing are significantly lower than market rents and are fixed.

This system works in cooperation with municipalities and is open to all citizens through a waiting list. Municipalities also determine the need for new construction, thus making non-profit housing part of local development.

The initiative to share the experience of creating such housing belongs to a group of specialists, including architects, lawyers, and former politicians.

"For example, to create a socially and economically stable rental housing market, where there is room for all segments of the population, and where rental income is directed to even more affordable housing. We would like to contribute to this process by sharing the experience we have gained in the social housing sector in Denmark."