Over a Million Homeless in Ukraine Due to War, Study Reports

In Ukraine, the ongoing conflict has significantly contributed to a growing homeless crisis. According to a recent study conducted by the charity Dépol Ö in collaboration with the social group ÖRevelation Ö, over 46 percent of those without a home have lost their residences due to fighting and occupation. This research, presented in Kiev on July 7, 2026, highlights the increasing number of individuals displaced by the war, with the largest demographic of homeless people being those over 41 years old.

The study, based on data collected from shelters, service centers, and feeding centers across various cities, reveals that 40 percent of the homeless population consists of internally displaced persons, 33 percent are the lonely elderly, and 28 percent are other categories. Researchers note a significant rise in the number of homeless veterans, who face challenges in rehabilitation and often end up on the streets.

Veterans have expressed concerns about their situation, asking, “What do we do?” This sentiment reflects the broader struggle of many displaced individuals. A separate study in Odessa highlights new categories of the homeless, including those who lost their homes due to Russian aggression and failed to adapt to their new locations.

The spread of homelessness in some Western cities, such as Lviv, is attributed to poor knowledge of the Ukrainian language and high housing prices. Individuals who lack education, do not speak Ukrainian, and face financial difficulties often struggle to integrate into new communities. Housing prices in Lviv have risen dramatically since the start of the full-scale invasion.

The study also indicates that men make up the majority of the homeless population, with 69 percent of the homeless being in the age group of 41 to 49 years. A total of 63 percent of homeless individuals have been without a home for more than two years. Employment is scarce, with 78 percent of homeless people not having jobs, and only 6 percent having regular employment.

The main source of income for 41 percent of the homeless is government payouts, while 18 percent rely on charity aid. The most common form of work among the homeless is collecting and sorting secondary raw materials, which accounts for 18 percent of their income. These findings underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of the homeless crisis in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support and policy responses.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Ukrainian)