Humanitarian Hubs 2025/2026
A proven model of autonomous humanitarian hubs providing emergency support to people affected by power blackouts in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast.
During the winter of 2025/2026, Ukrainian Humanitarian Initiatives (UHI), together with partners, deployed a network of mobile humanitarian hubs — safe, warm, fully equipped spaces for families, children, and vulnerable community members during prolonged electricity outages.
The project operated under real crisis conditions and demonstrated strong, measurable demand for this type of humanitarian response..
19,214
10,814
4
142
Why it was need
The Problem
During the winter of 2025/2026, prolonged power blackouts left thousands of people without heat, electricity, connectivity, or safe spaces for daily life.
The most affected were families with children, elderly individuals, and residents of communities without the resources to manage a prolonged winter crisis on their own.
The Humanitarian Hub was built as a direct, practical response to this need — an accessible space where anyone could come to get warm, charge their devices, connect to the internet, bring their children, and simply feel supported.
What the project provided
What Each Hub Offered
Every location functioned as a fully autonomous humanitarian hub, delivering essential services during blackouts:
Heating
independent heating system, fully operational regardless of grid outages
Power
high-capacity autonomous generator
Wi-Fi & charging
high-speed internet and charging stations for all devices
Hot drinks
free tea and coffee for every visitor
Children's zone
games, activities, and a safe space for kids
Psychosocial support
daily on-site support from qualified specialists
No registration · No queues · Open every day · For everyone
Season 2025/2026 - Results
The project proved its effectiveness under real field conditions and became a critical support point for residents of Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast.
19,214
10,814
4
142
These results confirmed strong demand for this model and provide the foundation for scaling in future seasons
Where We Operated
In 2025/2026, hubs operated across four locations in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast
Brovary
Kyiv, Troyeshchyna
Kyiv,
VDNG
Obukhiv
How it worked
More Than a Warming Point
A Humanitarian Hub was not just a tent or a shelter. It was a living space — where every day there were people, children, volunteers, hot drinks, activities, and a genuine sense of safety, even on the hardest winter days.
Throughout the season, hubs were visited not only by community residents, but also by partner organisations, journalists, and high-profile public guests — further demonstrating the project's social significance and credibility.
"Children made up approximately 60% of all visitors - the hub became a daily safe space for families."
Діти - наші основні гості, близько 60% відвідувачів
Міністр закордонних справ Естонії Маргус Цахкна
Купольні, швидко монтуємі конструкції, площаю 64 м2.
Діти - наші основні гості, близько 60% відвідувачів
Implementation & Partnership Model
The project was implemented by Ukrainian Humanitarian Initiatives (UHI) in partnership with Dobrobat Charitable Foundation, with the involvement of international partners and local stakeholders.
UHI - Operational Partner
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Procurement and contractor management
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IT setup and installation
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Service quality standards
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24/7 operational oversight
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Logistics and consumables
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Financial transparency and reporting
Dobrobat - Coordination Partner
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Negotiations with local authorities
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Location identification and approval
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Equipment procurement (3 full sets)
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Donor relations
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Communications and media
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Donor reporting
Clear RACI matrix in place - full accountability between partners
Our Team & Compliance Standards
The UHI volunteer team worked daily with visitors in full compliance with international humanitarian standards, including:
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Child Safeguarding Policy
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PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse)
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Anti-Fraud Policy
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GDPR / Data Protection Policy
This ensures full compatibility with the requirements of international donors and humanitarian actors.
A Model That Works - Ready to Scale
The 2025/2026 season demonstrated that autonomous humanitarian hubs are a real, in-demand, and cost-effective solution for supporting communities during winter crises.
We are now preparing for Season 2026/2027:
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20–30 locations across Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, and Chernihiv Oblast
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Target reach: 100,000+ people
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Launch: November 2026
Become a Partner
We are looking for organisations, foundations, and donors who want to ensure that next winter, more Ukrainians have access to warmth, safety, and support.
We know how. We need those who believe with us