More Than Just a Hub: How the “Buty Poruch” Center in Cherkasy Became a Space of Strength and Integration for IDPs
In times of protracted armed conflict, communities are forced to quickly seek new models for the integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Instead of passively distributing humanitarian aid packages, the development of sustainable institutional platforms is becoming increasingly important
7/10/20263 min read
A striking example of this approach is the “Buty Poruch” project in Cherkasy, implemented by the NGO “Poruch” with support from the international donor Acted. Its mission is to unite the efforts of the host community and new residents through shared activities and mutual trust.
A Safe Space: From Renovation to a Mural
Physical space served as the foundation for profound social transformation. The center was established at the “Center for Children’s and Youth Creativity,” a municipal institution, which allowed it to be immediately integrated into the city’s existing social ecosystem.
The creation of the hub served as an example of exemplary synergy between the civil society sector and local government:
The city’s contribution: Based on a defect report, the Cherkasy City Council carried out a major renovation of the heating system at its own expense, confirming its commitment to the hub’s long-term operation.
The organization’s contribution: The NGO “Poruch” ensured the installation of new energy-efficient windows, doors, and inverter air conditioners to ensure comfortable working conditions in winter.
Security solutions: Since the building had two unprotected entrances at the rear, the team installed security shutters, an internal alarm system, and video surveillance, and also equipped a bomb shelter.
Symbolic Capital: Local artist Hryhorii Malorod, together with the center’s residents on a volunteer basis, created the “Born to be Free” mural at the center, transforming the project from an “external initiative” into a part of the city’s identity.
Psychosocial Support: Impressive Figures
The main goal of psychosocial support (PSS) at the center was to overcome “victim syndrome” and restore people’s inner strength. Thanks to the high level of trust in the hub’s specialists, actual attendance figures significantly exceeded projections. Registration and record-keeping were conducted using Kobo digital forms, ensuring data accuracy and transparency.
Psychological innovations in action: One of the most effective therapeutic tools for young children has been the use of “Hibuki,” a therapeutic cuddle dog that helps children gently process the trauma of the conflict. In addition, the project extended beyond the hub’s walls—inclusive boccia games were held at Cherkasy Specialized School No. 3.
Humanitarian Aspect: Vouchers Instead of Care Packages
Effective budget management allowed the team to increase the number of hygiene vouchers to 205, totaling 820,000 UAH, enabling 535 unique beneficiaries to receive assistance.
Instead of the traditional distribution of standard humanitarian aid packages, the hub implemented a voucher system. This restored people’s “agency”—the ability to independently choose the goods they needed—thereby restoring their sense of control over their lives. Furthermore, redeeming these vouchers at local stores supported local businesses and strengthened the ties between IDPs and Cherkasy.
The Human Dimension: Three Stories of Transformation
Behind the dry statistical reports are always the real lives of people for whom “Buty Poruch” became a source of support:
Olena (from Kramatorsk): As a woman with a disability, she felt isolated in her new city. At the Center, she received help navigating the verification process for her pension payments and was informed about opportunities for free medical tests using electronic referrals. The hub became a reliable guide for her through the city’s medical and administrative systems.
Yulia (from Bakhmut): Having lost her home and her favorite family hobbies, she was in a deep psychological and financial crisis. A course of psychosocial support helped her regain the inner stability needed to raise her 7-year-old son.
Lina (from Cherkasy): A representative of the host community who is raising a child with a disability. For her, the space became a place for emotional renewal and expanding her social circle, which is critically important for preventing parental burnout.
Life After the Project: Exit Strategy and Sustainability
From the very first day of the project, the structure of “Buty Poruch” was designed with the future in mind—specifically, how the hub would operate after donor funding ended.
Official Partnership: On January 26, 2024, an official Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the NGO “Poruch” and the Cherkasy City Council, which formalized the city’s commitment to supporting the hub’s operations.
Resource stability: Since the center operates within a municipal facility, utility bills and facility maintenance will continue to be funded from the city budget.
Support for social entrepreneurship: As part of the eco-bag initiative, the project ordered bags from “Eco-Bag Workshop,” which employs people with disabilities, demonstrating an effective path to vocational rehabilitation for vulnerable groups.
The “Buty Poruch” project has clearly demonstrated that a combination of safe infrastructure, innovative psychological methods, and respect for human dignity can transform an ordinary space into a vital hub of the city’s social fabric.
Report on the project implementation (slides) could be accessed via this link.
