EU and UNDP establish supported living unit in Kharkiv Oblast

EU and UNDP establish supported living unit in Kharkiv Oblast

The new space enables independent living and social integration for people who need assistance with their daily activities

Zlatopil, Kharkiv Oblast, 18 March 2026 - The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine - together with the Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine and other partners - have opened the Oselia Zlatopil supported living facility in Kharkiv Oblast. Housed within the Zlatopil Territorial Centre for Social Services, it introduces a new community-based model of social care.

This residence accommodates four to eight people - such as older adults, internally displaced persons, veterans and people with disabilities - who require assistance transitioning to independent living. It serves as a modern alternative to institutional care, enabling individuals to remain integrated within their community while receiving the personalized support they need.

Oselia Zlatopil was launched thanks to a collaborative effort to expand supported living services at local level. The EU and UNDP furnished and equipped the premises and provided technical expertise, while Social Synergy NGO led the launch of the supported living service and staff capacity-building, in collaboration with People in Need NGO, which also carried out the renovations. The local authorities contributed by improving accessibility, landscaping the area, and integrating the facility into the municipal social services system.

The initiative builds on a long-standing partnership between Zlatopil community and UNDP to ensure that the social services system provides comprehensive support. Earlier, with support from the Government of Canada, a mobile social service and a social adaptation space were established. Assistance from the EU has now made it possible to complete this continuum of support by bringing services directly to where people live.

Jocelin Cornet, Head of Sector for Reconstruction, Energy, Infrastructure and Environment at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, reaffirmed the European Union's support for strengthening social infrastructure and services. "Social protection is ultimately about people - about making sure that those who need support most can live safely and as part of their communities," Mr. Cornet said. "Together with our partners, the EU is helping Ukraine modernize its social services, including supported living models that give people greater independence. This work brings essential care closer to the people and communities who rely on it."

Ana Lukatela, Head of Area-Based Recovery at UNDP in Ukraine, stressed that establishing the supported living facility reflects UNDP's comprehensive approach to advancing the framework of social services in the most war-affected oblasts. "Through our area-based recovery approach, UNDP and its partners are supporting initiatives that directly enhance the capacity of the local authorities to meet the needs of their most vulnerable residents." Ms. Lukatela said. "Combining refurbishment and equipment for facilities with knowledge of new models and practices strengthens the community's resilience and its ability to implement reforms and practices on its European pathway."

Background

Oselia Zlatopil was established under EU4Recovery, the flagship partnership between the EU and UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, Social Synergy NGO, and People in Need NGO.

This is the second supported living space opened by the EU and UNDP. At the end of 2024, Oselia Sadhora was inaugurated in Chernivtsi. Together, these initiatives reflect UNDP's comprehensive, people-centred approach to recovery, focused on inclusivity and bringing essential services closer to those who need them most. By 2028, UNDP in Ukraine aims to expand the network of supported living facilities by partnering with at least 10 communities committed to adopting this model of community-based social care.

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: [email protected]