Why Does It Matter?
Ukraine needs more than just warming centres.
Prolonged power outages, communication disruptions and cold weather create particular risks for children, older people, persons with disabilities and families facing difficult circumstances.
People need a safe place where they can stay warm, charge their phones, access up-to-date information and receive humanitarian support.
Our solution
The Five Principles of Our Model
From shelter to coordination hub
Each center operates 24/7, providing warmth, charging, and a safe space inside, while also serving as a base for community outreach.
Insulation kits and quick repairs
The hubs will distribute window insulation kits and maintain a reserve of tools for rapid response teams.
Coordination of the volunteer network
We mobilize not only our own staff, but also local volunteers to identify and assist vulnerable residents.
Child-Friendly and MHPSS
Our hubs provide special educational programs for children and professional psychosocial support.
Zero downtime architecture
Centralized management, dedicated technical teams, and dual power redundancy ensure uninterrupted operation.
Centralised Management
Unified management headquarters
Centralized coordination of all locations in real time
Standardized protocols
Same standards of service, security and reporting at every point
Information system
Collection and dissemination of relevant humanitarian information for beneficiaries
Each center is ready for autonomous and continuous operation
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
WARMTH AND COMFORT
Three generators at each location
Two generators operate in shifts, the third remains in reserve for
in case of malfunction or maintenance.
Fuel supply for 15 days
Each location has a fuel reserve for autonomous operation over a long period.
Inverter and battery system
Provides buffered power and seamless switching between
generators without stopping the equipment.
Diesel heaters
Basic equipment for fast and stable room heating.
Japanese kerosene heaters
An additional independent heat source that does not require connection to the electrical grid.
Food zone with hot drinks
A place where visitors can warm up and get hot drinks.
VISITORS' SPACE
COMMUNICATION, SECURITY AND ASSISTANCE
Starlink satellite internet
Stable Internet access even in case of damage
or disconnection of terrestrial networks.
CCTV cameras
Public space control and additional security for
visitors and staff.
First aid kit
Necessary means for providing basic first aid.
Large areas for charging gadgets
There are organized places for simultaneously charging phones, power banks, and other equipment.
Children's play area
A separate safe space for children with games and activities.
Modular Self-Contained Toilet Unit
A separate sanitation module equipped with its own heating and hot-water system, ensuring comfortable use throughout the winter.
From Decision to Launch in 72 Hours
PILOT RESULTS · 2025/26 SEASON
10800+
Children covered
56% of the total
19214
Total number of beneficiaries
at 4 locations
78%
Women among the lors
beneficiaries
0
Days of downtime
hubs worked 24/7 without loss of heat, power, or communication
Pilot project partners
The pilot project was implemented by the NGO Ukrainian Humanitarian Initiatives in partnership with the Dobrobat Charitable Foundation, with support from Mondo, the people of Estonia, and other partners.
CF "DOBROBAT"
Operational support, staffing, security and logistics.
Mondo and the People of Estonia
Approximately EUR 110,000 in international assistance.
Project Partners
Approximately EUR 138,000 in financial and in-kind support.
The project aligns with the thematic areas of winterisation, emergency response, MHPSS, child-focused support and community resilience.
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Emergency Response
Rapid response to humanitarian crises caused by the war
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MHPSS
Psychosocial support for children, families and communities
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Child-focused Support
Safe spaces and support for children and adolescents
Winterization
Protecting vulnerable people from the impact of winter blackouts
Community Resilience
Strengthening community resilience through standardised services
Hubs in Action
Real people, real support — photos from the 2025–2026 pilot season.
