Building Homes, Securing Lives.

With 40 years of experience in housing development and 25 years of experience in business development in Ukraine, Roar Paulsrud brings an extensive network and a deep understanding of the local context. His knowledge of the construction industry and his focus on avoiding corruption provide the project with a solid foundation and credibility, particularly in carrying out complex construction projects in a challenging environment.
 

Jens O. Simensen has a background as a journalist, media advisor, and leadership roles in private enterprises. He also has experience as a politician and is well known as an author of books and theater plays. Jens has a broad network in various fields, which is an asset for the project. His experience in media, communication, and local community involvement provides valuable insights into outreach and public relations, adding depth to the project's overall strategic approach.

Thomas brings extensive industry knowledge and experience in Business Performance Management, Cash Management, Financial Accounting, and Financial Reporting, with two recognitions in each of these areas. His expertise in Business Strategy (with one recognition), Debt Restructuring, Business Restructures, Acquisitions, and Tax Assessment provides the project with strong financial management and the ability to handle economic challenges.

Cecilie Agnalt's experience as a mayor and political leader gives the project access to the necessary political support and understanding of public processes. Her insight into municipal operations and political processes can be crucial for ensuring that the project receives the necessary attention from relevant authorities and supporters.

Roar Paulsrud, a 63-year-old businessman from Råde, has begun work on building 20 homes for war-injured Ukrainian soldiers in Zhytomyr, Ukraine. The project is a pilot initiative that, if successful, could pave the way for more similar efforts. The houses are lifetime residences, each 50 square meters, aimed at meeting the long-term needs of soldiers who have been injured and traumatized.

The homes are funded by Roar Paulsrud himself, with a budget of 11 million NOK, through his company, Roar Paulsrud AS. To ensure the project is carried out without corruption, Paulsrud has established a dedicated legal team to oversee the process. He hopes that this project will inspire other companies to start similar initiatives to help Ukraine.

Roar Paulsrud continues his efforts to help Ukrainians by building homes for injured soldiers and their families in Zhytomyr, Ukraine. This follows his earlier work in the spring of 2022, when he brought over 30 women and children from Ukraine to Norway and covered all their expenses. Now, he is building homes in Ukraine, including apartments with small garden plots for self-sufficiency, to help the families become more self-reliant. Each apartment is about 50 square meters and is designed to accommodate people with disabilities.

Paulsrud is financing the project himself, with hopes of receiving support from the Nansen Program to boost the initiative. He hopes that the construction, which will start this year using prefabricated modules from Estonia, will be the beginning of a larger effort to help Ukrainians. Paulsrud emphasizes the importance of helping people in their own country, where many still live under very difficult conditions as a result of the war.

In 2022, Roar Paulsrud built temporary housing for 35 Ukrainian refugees in Råde, Norway, at Karlshus Bruk. Now, all the families have moved into their own apartments within the community, and many have found jobs or schooling opportunities. Paulsrud credits the success to the welcoming spirit of the Råde community, including contributions from Råde municipality, NAV, volunteer organizations, businesses, and individuals.

The last Ukrainian family moved out of the temporary housing in December 2023, and Paulsrud plans to dismantle the housing units and move them to Ukraine, where there is greater need. Paulsrud highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Ukrainian children continue their education in their native language while adapting to life in Norway. He praised Råde's approach as exemplary and a model for other communities.

Råde has become a shining example of successful integration for the 30 Ukrainian refugees who arrived in 2022. Thanks to support from Råde municipality, local organizations, and volunteers, the Ukrainians have made significant progress, including learning Norwegian, securing housing, and participating in job training. Roar Paulsrud, who built temporary housing for them, praised the community for their welcoming attitude and exceptional effort.

Local associations like Råde Rotary Club, Red Cross, and others have also been instrumental in supporting the integration efforts. The Ukrainians have become an active part of the community, joining local clubs and activities. Paulsrud attributes the successful integration to the small, close-knit nature of Råde and its spirit of collaboration. The Ukrainian children are also attending both Norwegian and Ukrainian schooling to stay connected to their roots.

Råde mayor René Rafshol recently visited Ukraine, where he witnessed the destruction firsthand, including damaged cities and experiences in bomb shelters. The visit was aimed at building contacts for potential cooperation between Norwegian and Ukrainian municipalities. Rafshol emphasized the importance of Norwegian communities showing their support during the war and the rebuilding process. He also highlighted the urgent needs of Ukrainian communities, such as medical equipment and modern emergency vehicles.

During the visit, Rafshol and Roar Paulsrud, who operates a large farm in Zhytomyr, met with local politicians to assess needs and strengthen collaboration. Rafshol hopes more Norwegian municipalities will join in helping Ukraine, using formal partnerships to ensure that aid reaches its intended recipients.