RESTORED INFRASTRUCTURE FOR DIGNIFIED LIVING
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Project NameREFAUK: Repair Facilitation Ukraine
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Project PhaseMay 2022 to January 2025
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FundingSwiss Solidarity
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Thematic focusHumanitarian Response
Launched in response to the crisis caused by the war, the «Repair Facilitation Ukraine» (REFAUK) project has evolved from emergency assistance into a long-term, systemic recovery initiative — bridging immediate relief with sustainable reconstruction and institutional strengthening.
Within the REFAUK project, Helvetas combined direct recovery support for affected households and communities with efforts to strengthen local recovery systems. While targeted repairs help thousands of families regain safe living conditions, the project also enhances the capacity of municipalities, local contractors, and civil society organisations to manage reconstruction more effectively.
The REFAUK project was implemented by Helvetas in 2022–2025 as part of Switzerland’s support for Ukraine, funded by Swiss Solidarity and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project was carried out by a consortium of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and the NGO «DESPRO».
Impact in Numbers
46
WASH systems have been restored
85
NGO were involved in implementing the project in communities
33
multi-apartment buildings have been repaired
1130
people received heating materials for winter
2 871
Repaire Hub people supported via Repair Hub
138
heating points and shelters in educational institutions were equipped with materials and generators
19 000+
people used heating points as part of winterization efforts
492 262
people experienced an improvement in living conditions due to the restoration of water supply and sewage systems, energy supply
Restoring Housing and Social Infrastructure
Within REFAUK, Helvetas supported light and medium repair to private houses, apartment buildings, and social facilities — including schools, kindergartens, and outpatient clinics. These efforts restored access to water, heat, electricity, as well as education and healthcare services.
A particular focus was on restoring access to drinking water through repairs to water supply and wastewater systems. Rehabilitating these networks enabled tens of thousands of people to return home and regain basic comfort in daily life.
Helvetas also provided grants to 85 local organisations for repairing housing, public spaces, and infrastructure. This support created safe places for internally displaced persons (IDPs), equipped shelters and warming points, and allowed communities to respond quickly to urgent needs.
The project also piloted «circular construction» — the reuse of reclaimed building materials.
Helvetas awarded grants to civil society organisations to implement these eco-projects and supported research on circular practices in Ukraine.
Localisation: Helvetas’ Global Best Practices for the Civil Society Sector
A key component of REFAUK was supporting local initiatives. Together with partners, Helvetas developed Methodological Recommendations for civil society organisations to help them objectively assess communities’ recovery needs.
This methodology, now used by partners across regions, ensures that reconstruction decisions are data-driven, inclusive, and aligned with national recovery frameworks.
Repair Hubs and Shelter Ambulance
Through REFAUK, Helvetas established and continues to support a Repair Hub in Kharkiv, where volunteers can access tools, materials, and practical guidance for urgent repairs to shell-damaged homes and public facilities.
A shelter ambulance also operates, deploying immediately after strikes to quickly seal damage and protect buildings from further destruction.
