Energetic security for internally displaced Ukrainians: partnership between the DroneUA Foundation and the Balbek Bureau Foundation.
May 2023
The charitable foundation "DronUA" has signed a memorandum and become a partner in the large-scale social project of architect Slava Balbek's bureau - RE:Ukraine Housing, aimed at providing temporary housing for internally displaced Ukrainians with uninterrupted power supply equipment.
Recently, a charity evening dedicated to the signing of the memorandum and the inclusion in the RE:Ukraine Housing project took place in Kyiv. DronUA has become the official energy partner of the Balbek Bureau project, guaranteeing energy security for 15 families, over 50 internally displaced Ukrainians, and providing temporary housing in the village of Vorzel with the use of solar panels and autonomous power supply systems.
"We cannot stand aside from the current events in our country. The blackout period made us realize that electricity equals security. Therefore, our goal is to help Ukrainians in the ways we know and specialize in. Our team provides social structures in energy crisis with backup power supply equipment. Today, we have sent over 100 charging stations to children's homes and hospitals in Ukraine. However, the understanding and desire to scale up our assistance have always been present, and we actively sought partners. That is why today, the DronUA Foundation is signing a memorandum of cooperation with the Balbek Bureau Foundation," said Ruslana Zahniy, Director of Marketing and Communications at DroneUA.
Together, these organizations are working towards providing a secure and sustainable living environment for internally displaced individuals in Ukraine.
Temporary housing can and should be comfortable. People who have lost their homes deserve to live in quality conditions during the necessary transitional period. RE:Ukraine Housing is breaking stereotypes about temporary housing and creating a new project that includes relevant and essential components, including energy independence.
"People are accustomed to the idea that temporary housing is a small container with minimal living conditions. We want to dispel this outdated perception. We want Ukrainians who have lost their homes to be able to go through the adaptation period with dignity. In response to this, our team has launched a project to build temporary housing, taking into account all aspects of quality living. Given recent events, energy independence has become one of the main considerations. That is why we have secured the support of the DronUA Foundation and will equip the residential units with energy-independent systems and solar panels," said Slava Balbek at the charity evening.
The project RE:Ukraine Housing aims to provide not only temporary housing but also a comfortable and sustainable living environment for those in need. By incorporating energy-independent systems and solar panels, the project is breaking away from traditional notions of temporary housing and ensuring that individuals who have experienced displacement can have a decent living experience during their transition.
Equipping housing with energy storage and distribution systems will enable residents to be independent of external circumstances, improve their quality of life, stay connected under any conditions, and have access to electricity on a continuous basis.
Based on the progress of fundraising, the integration of autonomous power equipment is planned in three stages:
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Building P1: Security systems, video surveillance, fire alarm system + Water pumping station + Sewage system
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Building P1: Security systems, video surveillance, fire alarm system + Water pumping station + Sewage system + Office space in Building P1 + Building 7: Common areas, corridors, refrigerators in shared kitchens, specialized professional offices.
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Building P1: Security systems, video surveillance, fire alarm system + Water pumping station + Sewage system + Office space in Building P1 + Building 7: Common areas, corridors, refrigerators in shared kitchens, specialized professional offices + Residential premises in Building P1.
The integration of energy-independent systems into the housing infrastructure aims to provide residents with a reliable and self-sufficient energy supply. This will enhance their living conditions, increase safety measures, and ensure uninterrupted access to essential services.
The initial funds for the energy equipment of RE:Ukraine Housing were raised at a charity event featuring paintings by children from specialized schools who had previously received energy assistance. Children of different ages created artworks on the theme of "Light Within You," which guests "purchased" through donations. Anyone can contribute and bring light to internally displaced individuals in the "Bright Projects" section.
The DroneUA Charitable Foundation continues to seek the support of partners to scale up assistance for the development of an energy-independent system and ensure the safety of Ukrainians.
