Please refer to the attached file.
GER³’s Winterization Needs Assessment is intended to inform the design and targeting of winterization programming for the 2026–2027 season. It draws on lessons and feedback from the 2025–2026 winter response and identifies the most critical winter-related risks facing communities in 2026–2027.
The assessment focuses on hromadas in Sumska and Khersonska oblasts where GER³ maintains a sustained operational presence. Findings from previous post-distribution monitoring exercises were integrated with the needs assessment data to support programme targeting and strategic planning.
A mixed-methods approach was used to assess household needs ahead of the 2026–2027 heating season, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection. Fieldwork was conducted by GER³ staff in June and July 2026 in Velykooleksandrivska Hromada, Khersonska Oblast, and Krolevetska Hromada, Sumska Oblast.
Primary data were collected through three complementary methods:
- Structured household surveys gathered quantitative information on heating sources, access to fuel, household preparedness for winter, and priority winter assistance needs.
- Semi-structured key informant interviews with representatives of starostats provided contextual insights into conditions across the assessed hromadas, the population groups considered most vulnerable, and priority humanitarian needs.
- Focus group discussions with community members explored the challenges households face in preparing for the heating season and examined the perceived impact of GER³’s previous winterization assistance.