Internally displaced people, citizen with disabilities and older adults living alone most likely to become homeless in Ukraine – study

The number of homeless people in Ukraine is increasing, with internally displaced people, people with disabilities and older adults among those most affected. At the same time, Russia’s full-scale war has created a new vulnerable group: veterans who have lost their homes,  Depaul Ukraine charity foundation presented the findings of its study during the Right to a Dignified Life conference, ZMINA reported.

Depaul Ukraine, in conjunction with the Rating Sociological Group and the Ptoukha Institute for Demography and Life Quality Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, conducted a nationwide study on homelessness in wartime Ukraine.

Throughout April 2026, researchers surveyed 1,090 respondents in Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv and Lviv. Participants included homeless adults who use shelters and meal distribution points, experts working in the field, and members of the general public from across Ukraine.

The researchers estimate that the actual number of homeless people in Ukraine ranges between 57,000 and 121,000. By comparison, the Ministry of Social Policy officially recorded 12,451 homeless people as of 1 January 2026.

Researchers cautioned that the real number is likely to be significantly higher because many homeless people never seek assistance from shelters or social services. During the conference, Ella Libanova, director of the institute, said the total number of people lacking stable housing in Ukraine could exceed 1 million.

“What worries me most is that we are now seeing homelessness among war veterans,” Libanova said. “We must do everything possible to prevent this. These are people who shed their blood and protected our lives for four and a half years. At the very least, they must be protected from homelessness.”

Infographics by the Depaul Ukraine presentation.

Men account for 69% of Ukraine’s homeless population, while the largest age group is people between 41 and 59 years old (46%).

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents have been homeless for more than two years.

Among the most vulnerable groups are:

• internally displaced people (40%);
• people with disabilities (33%);
• older adults living alone (28%).

Researchers also reported a significant increase in requests for assistance from war veterans.

Only 6% of homeless respondents have permanent employment, while 78% are unemployed.

Their primary sources of income are:

• state benefits (41%);
• assistance from charitable organizations (18%).

The most common form of employment among homeless people is collecting and sorting recyclable materials (10%).

The study found that Russia’s full-scale war is now the leading cause of homelessness, accounting for 46% of cases.

Other major causes include:

• family conflicts (22%);
• housing and property fraud (12%);
• health problems (8%).

Infographics by the Depaul Ukraine

The survey also challenges common stereotypes about homelessness. According to the findings:

• 63% of homeless respondents have never experienced alcohol addiction;
• 92% have never experienced drug addiction.

Researchers concluded that addiction is more often a consequence rather than a cause of homelessness, or develops alongside homelessness because of extremely difficult living conditions.

The study also examined public attitudes toward homelessness.

Among respondents:

• 80% believe most homeless people could work if they wanted to;
• 70% associate homelessness with addiction;
• 53% believe homelessness is largely the result of personal choice.

At the same time, 89% said homeless people are full members of society, while 64% said they feel compassion when encountering them. However, only 14% believe Ukrainian society’s overall attitude toward homeless people is positive.

Infographics by the Depaul Ukraine

Infographics by the Depaul Ukraine

When asked about their greatest needs, homeless respondents identified:

• housing (51%);
• permanent employment (37%);
• medical care (36%);
• social assistance (20%);
• restoration of identity documents (17%).

The survey also found that 58% would be willing to move into permanent social housing if they were able to pay rent and secure employment.

ZMINA previously reported that the world’s first Museum of Homelessness opened in London two years ago to raise awareness about the experiences of homeless people. Founded in 2015, the museum spent nearly a decade without a permanent location before opening its first dedicated space.

Rather than displaying objects in traditional glass cases, the museum offers guided, interactive experiences in which volunteers share the stories behind donated personal belongings using the exact words of their former owners, many of whom experienced homelessness themselves.

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