Russia

Context at a glance

Russia is the largest country in the world and one with tremendous housing need. After the break-up of the former USSR in 1991, many people throughout Russia lost their way of life, their life savings, jobs and homes. According to the official state statistics, 39 million Russians live in poverty. The housing situation in Russia quickly deteriorated when local governments were no longer able to build and distribute free or subsidised housing to all citizens. This has left many Russians in need of decent shelter.

Most people in Russia live in multi-storey housing blocks that may have up to 3,000 apartments. In some cases up to 50 families share two toilets and have sinks instead of showers for washing. Overcrowding is widespread and many extended families live in apartments not large enough to accommodate a single family. The families who rent such homes can be forced to move several times per year as landlords find tenants able to pay more. Few low-income families have hopes of ever owning their own homes.

Habitat for Humanity programme

Habitat for Humanity was first invited to work in Russia by a group of concerned citizens in Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryatia Republic in eastern Siberia. Work began in 2002 and immediately captured the interest of the local population, attracting not only many families wishing to partner with HFH, but also volunteers offering their help.

In just a few months of construction, HFH bought and renovated two dilapidated apartments and one house. Three more houses soon followed along with plans for our first newly built house in Russia.

HFH activities in Ulan-Ude receive significant attention from the local media in the Siberian region as well as the top leadership of Buryatia Republic. HFH was invited to participate at the inter-regional building fair organised by the regional Ministry of Construction and Architecture and was recognised for its ”real help in solving housing issues”.

The eastern Siberian region in which HFH builds is known well beyond Russian borders for its extremely harsh weather conditions. Sweltering summers follow freezing winters, when temperatures can fall below -40ºC (-49F). The only way to counterbalance the climate is by building houses with well-insulated wide, strong walls and reliable heating.

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