The Community Foundation of Kherson “Zakhyst” has developed the “Action Plan for the Resilience and Recovery of the Kherson Community”, a document offering practical recommendations for central and local authorities, international partners, donors, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders involved in recovery.
The plan draws on a comprehensive study of the challenges, needs, and views of Kherson residents – both those who remain in the city and those who have been forced to leave.
Between November 2025 and April 2026, six online surveys, six focus group discussions, and twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with representatives of government, civil society, businesses, municipal services, volunteers, and experts. Experts translated the findings into concrete proposals and solutions.
The document covers four key areas:
- democratic governance and civic participation;
- social and humanitarian support and quality of life;
- economic resilience and essential infrastructure;
- sociocultural cohesion and community identity.
Recommendations include strengthening communication between the authorities and the community, engaging Kherson residents regardless of their current location, developing accessible social services, supporting local businesses, restoring housing and critical infrastructure, and maintaining connections between those who remain in the city and those who have left.
We believe that Kherson’s recovery must be guided by the views of its residents. The Action Plan is therefore intended to provide a foundation for further dialogue, advocacy, and joint efforts to shape the community’s future.
This material was prepared by the charitable organisation Community Foundation of Kherson “Zakhyst” as part of the project “The Voice of Kherson Residents for Community Resilience and Recovery”, within the “Impulse” Project, implemented by the International Renaissance Foundation and East Europe Foundation with funding from Norway (Norad) and Sweden (Sida). The contents of this material do not necessarily reflect the positions of the International Renaissance Foundation, East Europe Foundation, the Government of Norway, or the Government of Sweden.
