A tradition of help: the social patrol returns to Kyiv
In Kyiv, as in previous years, a social patrol will operate during the winter period for people without permanent housing and those who have found themselves in difficult life circumstances. A mobile team will provide assistance daily and distribute free hot meals at three key locations in the capital. The corresponding order was signed by the Kyiv City Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Social patrolling has been in operation since 2006 and traditionally continues from December 1 to April 1.
The mobile team will work every day, including weekends and holidays. It consists of a social worker, a driver, and a cook. The patrol not only provides people with hot meals but also informs them about available social services and the opportunity to receive assistance at specialized institutions. Every day, the social patrol will deliver 200 portions of hot meals.
Working schedule and locations for aid distribution
Hot meals will be distributed for free according to the following schedule:
— Darnytsia Suburban Station, Pryvokzalna St., 1 – from 11:00 to 11:40;
— Kyiv-Volynskyi Railway Station – from 13:10 to 13:30;
— Central Railway Station, Vokzalna St., 7 – from 13:50 to 14:50.
The assistance of the social patrol is intended for people without a permanent place of residence, those temporarily left without housing, as well as those who have found themselves in crisis life circumstances. This is just one of the areas of support provided by the city.
Network of institutions for temporary accommodation
Kyiv operates a network of institutions where homeless people can get a temporary place to sleep, food, personal hygiene items, and the opportunity to take a shower. Specialists from the structural subdivisions of the House of Social Care also help with employment, document restoration, registration of residence or stay, and obtaining necessary social services.
If you know someone who may need such support, you can contact the House of Social Care at: (044) 497-41-81. Kyiv is also continuing to verify and update information about people who may require temporary relocation or additional support in the event of an emergency during the winter.
Preparing the capital for winter 2026
The capital may find itself in a difficult position during the winter due to potential attacks by occupiers on Kyiv's energy infrastructure objects. Currently, the capital of Ukraine is ahead of the regions in winter preparation. Earlier, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the capital has already completed 50 percent or more of the work provided for in the resilience plan. In particular, power units with a capacity of 350 MW have been restored, and 1 gigawatt of additional heat generation has been created.
Contradictory data
Although official information indicates a high level of Kyiv's readiness for winter, there are concerns regarding the resilience of energy infrastructure under possible attacks. Some experts express doubts about the sufficiency of restored capacities to ensure stable heating supply in the event of large-scale strikes. However, city authorities insist that all necessary measures have been taken and the system is ready to operate in extreme conditions.
