The Russian invasion of Ukraine has displaced over 8 million refugees seeking shelter in neighboring countries and beyond and Habitat has been on the ground since day one, accompanying refugees on the move and in their search for mid- and long-term accommodation.

The refugee crisis has added a new dimension and purpose for the only Habitat ReStore in Europe outside of Ireland. The Warsaw ReStore opened just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit more than two years ago, making for a difficult debut. However, its focus on helping families access home improvement materials and household goods makes it well-placed to respond to the practical needs of refugees. As of August, Habitat Poland had provided more than 14,000 refugees with household items through the Warsaw ReStore.