Estonia opens homes for displaced foster families in Ukraine

Text Ingel Kink
Photos Estonian Foreign Ministry

Estonia has opened two family-style small group homes in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, to support foster families displaced by the war. These homes were funded by the Estonian government as part of the “Room for Childhood” project, initiated by the Olena Zelenska Foundation. The project aims to provide safe housing for families affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly those fostering children who have lost their homes.

The homes, which will house two large foster families from the Kherson region, offer a stable and safe environment for over ten children. Ruslana and her family of six, including four foster children, were the first to receive a new home, while Oksana and Serhii’s family of nine will move into the second. Both families had been displaced due to the war, with their previous homes destroyed or located in frontline areas.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended the ceremony, emphasising Estonia’s commitment to helping Ukraine rebuild and providing hope for a better future. The project is a symbol of the strong partnership between Estonia and Ukraine, combining Estonian design expertise with the urgent need for functional, trauma-informed housing. More homes are planned for construction, helping to support Ukraine’s integration into European social welfare standards.

To learn more about this and similar topics
displaced families Estonia Estonia aid homes for children Olena Zelenska Foundation Ukraine war refugees Zhytomyr