The GER³ team based in Kyiv is actively responding to support those most in need. GER³ has been operational in Ukraine since early June 2022, responding in affected communities alongside a range of local and international partners.

GER³ is bringing rapid relief and recovery support to conflict-affected communities and addressing gaps in the current response effort. Our integrated approach (targeting both immediate relief and early recovery) includes the provision of NFIs, debris management, winterization, and rapid rehabilitation of homes and schools - all while employing a local approach and focusing on most vulnerable communities and individuals.

GER³ is implementing a rapid winterization and home repair program to address the needs of returning and displaced populations in north-central Ukraine. During the offensive towards Kyiv in early 2022, tens of thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed leaving people homeless, displaced and in urgent need of support.

Working closely with the communities and local government, GER³ is repairing homes in the region's most vulnerable areas. The current focus is on “winterization”, which includes encapsulating homes and key community infrastructure with new windows, doors and roofs so that they are able to retain heat during the cold Ukrainian winter. The program will continue to tailor its approach to the evolving needs of most vulnerable homeowners in the region, ultimately allowing individuals and families to safely return to their homes and begin the full recovery process.

Home & School Rehabilitation

Many homes, schools and other key community infrastructure have sustained significant damage that requires repair before people can return safely to their communities. In Borodyanka alone, 400 single-family homes were completely destroyed and 1,400 need significant repair.

In addition, over 2,400 schools in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of the ongoing conflict. GER³ has assessed several primary and secondary schools that could be repaired rapidly to be ready to open at the start of the next school year. Returning to school will provide a sense of normalcy to children who have experienced severe trauma and disruption to their lives.

GER³ employs a local approach to all its work, utilizing pirmarly local engineers, contractors and suppliers. School administrators, local municipalities and other key local stakeholders are also being consulted and will continue to be closely engaged throughout all work carried out by GER³. This ensures community acceptance and involvement throughout the work and allows the community to have input on the final results.

Debris Management

Disaster debris must be effectively managed before people can return to their homes, schools and access health facilities. GER³ applies sustainable and environmentally focused approaches to debris management, creating new livelihood opportunities and rebuilding communities. The team in Ukraine continues to assess debris in affected communities and consider next steps for removal.

At the request of the city, GER³ delivered PPE and tools to equip a crew of 110 local volunteers organized by the City Council of Kharkiv. Equipment included construction glasses, construction bags, gloves, helmets, respirators, shovels, chisels, crowbars, and sledgehammers. The supplies are enabling Kharkiv’s local volunteers to undertake essential debris removal. GER³ has also identified several communities in the Kyivska oblast that have significant debris that will need to be sorted and removed. Our debris removal programs include local livelihoods opportunities.