As Ukraine faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with millions displaced by the Russian invasion, two distinct American-led initiatives are offering more than just shelter: they are providing stability, community, and a profound sense of hope. These privately funded efforts, ranging from expansive modular villages to rapid-build apartment complexes, are creating vital sanctuaries in a war-torn nation.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has had a devastating impact, displacing millions of civilians and scattering families across the country and beyond. For many, the reality of war means crowded shelters, temporary arrangements, and a constant struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy. However, amidst this crisis, notable efforts by American individuals and organizations are providing critical housing solutions, offering a rare reprieve and a beacon of hope.
Hansen Village: A New Foundation for Thousands
Approximately 400 miles west of the front lines, a privately built settlement near Kyiv named Hansen Village stands as a testament to resilience and private philanthropy. This impressive complex provides stable housing, personal space, and the dignity of a locked door for 2,000 people, most of whom have been displaced from occupied territories. The village features rows of modular homes, complemented by amenities such as a swimming pool, basketball court, health clinic, and a school, fostering a sense of community for families like Mykyta Bogomol’s.
The creation of Hansen Village is the brainchild of Dell Loy Hansen, a Utah real estate developer. Since 2022, Hansen has invested over $140 million in building and repairing homes across Ukraine. His work extends beyond Hansen Village to include providing cash assistance to elderly individuals and families, supporting a prosthetics clinic, planning a cemetery to honor displaced people, and developing a not-for-profit affordable housing program designed for national scalability.
Dell Loy Hansen’s Vision and Impact
Hansen’s commitment to Ukraine stems from a deeply personal transformation. Following reports of racist comments in 2020 that led him to sell his Major League Soccer team, Real Salt Lake, he denied the allegations but described the experience as a catalyst for a new mission. He felt compelled to act upon seeing the immense loss faced by Ukrainians, stating, “This isn’t charity to me, it’s responsibility. If you can build, then build. Don’t just watch.” His efforts have earned him an upcoming high civilian honor from Ukraine, which he dedicates to increasing the visibility of the displaced.
The need for such initiatives is immense. Ukraine’s housing crisis is staggering, with nearly one in three citizens fleeing their homes, including 4.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). A U.N.-led assessment indicated that by late 2024, 13% of Ukrainian homes were damaged or destroyed, with national reconstruction costs estimated at a staggering $524 billion, nearly triple the country’s annual economic output, as reported by The World Bank.
The Ukrainian government, despite its efforts, struggles to fund shelters and repairs due to constant infrastructure attacks. Volunteers like Veronika Chumak in Dnipro, who runs a center for elderly evacuees, emphasize the “begging” required to meet urgent needs, while Yevhen Tuzov, who aided thousands during the 2022 siege of Mariupol, laments that many feel forgotten in crowded, often humiliating conditions. These individual efforts provide a crucial supplement to government aid, which provides an emergency subsidy of $260 for new evacuees, as noted by The Associated Press.
Community-Driven Rebuilding: International Networx and Local Partnerships
Beyond large-scale projects, smaller, equally impactful initiatives are underway. International Networx, a registered non-profit organization from Texas, has been actively involved in rebuilding Ukraine since early 2023. Led by missionary Becky Ruland, this organization partnered with Borkholder Buildings and Supply from Indiana to ship materials and construct housing for internally displaced refugees (IDPs) in Western Ukraine.
Their approach emphasizes collaboration and rapid construction. In the first quarter of 2023, International Networx organized the logistics to ship two containers filled with materials for three small apartments and humanitarian aid. The journey from Indiana, through Illinois, New York, Poland, and finally to Ukraine, took seven weeks.
The Power of Rapid Construction and Local Empowerment
Upon arrival in mid-April, American and Ukrainian builders rapidly framed a 1,890-square-foot 3-unit apartment complex in just four days, utilizing Borkholder’s rapid frame system. This hands-on collaboration not only provided essential housing but also fostered skill-sharing, with Ukrainian builders learning new wood framing methods and bonding with their American counterparts. The involvement of local partners like brothers Dima and Sergei Golub has been instrumental. The Golubs, who have partnered with International Networx since 2008 when they built a church for their father, Pastor Pavel, have since grown their own construction business.
The Golubs’ dedication is particularly remarkable given their personal circumstances; their church family lives close to the war zone in the southeast, experiencing bombings and sleepless nights. Despite these challenges, their commitment to God’s service and their community remains unwavering. International Networx envisions a long-term plan of helping Ukrainians establish their own truss factories post-war. This initiative aims to eliminate the need for shipping containers, stimulate the devastated economy, create local jobs, and significantly accelerate rebuilding efforts. Remarkably, Dima Golub has already begun developing their first Ukrainian truss factory, a testament to the power of collaboration and divine provision even amidst war.
A Shared Mission: Long-Term Rebuilding and Support
These varied American efforts underscore a profound commitment to Ukraine’s recovery, moving beyond immediate relief to sustainable rebuilding. From the expansive scale of Hansen Village to the localized, skill-building approach of International Networx, the focus remains on restoring not just physical structures, but also hope and dignity for those who have lost so much. The scale of the challenge is immense, but these ongoing projects demonstrate that with international support and local partnerships, a path to recovery and renewed stability is possible for the resilient people of Ukraine.
