Winter in Mongolia has always been harsh, but the climate crisis has made conditions even more severe. As the disaster known as dzud1—marked by temperatures dropping below minus 30 degrees Celsius and heavy snowstorms—becomes more frequent, the ger district of Khoroo 33 in Many residents are families who have lost their livestock due to the so-called white disaster2 or are economically vulnerable households who have moved to the city. As a result, the ger district continues to expand.
According to a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Khoroo 33 in Songinokhairkhan is one of the most vulnerable area in Ulaanbaatar, with a high influx of migrants and an unemployment rate above the city average. Although the city plans to transition ger district households to gas heating by 2028, most residents still rely on coal and wood for warmth, which is insufficient to withstand the extreme cold. Even then, the cost of fuel remains a heavy burden, and many endure sleepless nights in the freezing temperatures.
Winter Conditions Faced by Ger District Residents
Heating
Rely on coal and wood for heating
Finances
Fuel costs rise sharply due to extreme weather
Health
Infants, young children, and the elderly suffer from respiratory illnesses and hypothermia
Support for Responding to Mongolia’s Climate Crisis
To help address this crisis, WeLoveU began its efforts in November 2025. The members worked in close coordination with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Mongolia and the Labour and Social Welfare Service Department of Songinokhairkhan District to identify households in urgent need. In January, they personally visited the ger district to assess housing conditions.
“I am raising four children on my own. With only a single layer of insulation, the house is damp and in poor condition, but I have not been able to even consider repairing it myself.”
B. Khandmaa, Ger District Resident
“I care for ten children, including my grandchildren. Because of this, I am unable to work or take out a loan to repair the house.”
B. Oyungerel, Ger District Resident
WeLoveU focused on providing sustainable warmth to help residents endure the harsh winter while reducing heating costs. On March 4, a donation ceremony was held at the assembly hall of Secondary School No. 9 in Songinokhairkhan District. On that day, WeLoveU presented ger insulation covers and comforters to local residents.
Recipients
60Households
(300 people)
Donation Ceremony
Warm cultural performances were also presented at the ceremony to comfort the hearts of residents. The sorrowful melody of the morin khuur3, Mongolia’s symbolic instrument, filled the hall, followed by dynamic dances performed in colorful traditional attire known as the deel. Residents, worn down by the harsh winter and the challenges of migrant life, enjoyed the heartfelt performances and regained bright smiles for the first time in a long while.
- An extreme weather phenomenon in which temperatures fall below minus 30 degrees Celsius, accompanied by strong winds, heavy snow, and ice. ↩︎
- A type of dzud in which record snowfall covers the grasslands, preventing livestock from finding food, and causing mass starvation. ↩︎
- A traditional Mongolian string instrument decorated with a horse head at the top of the neck. ↩︎
Officials from Songinokhairkhan District Office and the local Khoroo office also attended and expressed their deep appreciation for WeLoveU’s support.
Deputy District Governor D. Khosbayar said, “We sincerely thank WeLoveU for its continuous dedication around the world,” and expressed his commitment to future cooperation with WeLoveU. E. Enkhtuul, Director of the Labour and Social Welfare Service Department, said, “Through the district office database, we carefully selected households in urgent need,” and conveyed hopes for continued partnership to support residents’ welfare. M. Temuge, Head of Khoroo 33, said, “You have delivered practical warmth to residents facing disaster risks, which has been a great source of strength,” expressing heartfelt gratitude.
On that day, the District Governor recognized WeLoveU’s dedication to district development and residents’ welfare and presented Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah of WeLoveU with the Honorary Emblem, the district’s highest distinction, along with a certificate. The Director of the Labour and Social Welfare Service Department and the Head of Khoroo 33 also each presented certificates of appreciation, in recognition of WeLoveU’s humanitarian efforts.
After the ceremony, members visited residents’ homes and assisted with installing the insulation covers.
Before and After Support for Ger Insulation Covers
| Supported Items | Effects |
|---|---|
| Ger Insulation Covers | ● Reduce heat loss and improve insulation efficiency ● Block cold drafts through gaps ● Improve heating efficiency and ease household fuel expenses ● Control moisture, prevent condensation, reduce mold growth, and help prevent respiratory illness |
| Comforters | ● Provide direct body warmth ● Prevent hypothermia and improve sleeping conditions, helping ● Reduce heating expenses |
“After installing the cover, it feels like a new home. I had been planning to buy warming supplies, but instead I received such a wonderful cover as a gift. The blanket is also excellent. Many of my neighbors are very happy.”
B. Khandmaa, Ger District Resident
Warm love spread throughout the ger district of Ulaanbaatar, where the bitter cold had taken its toll. It is hoped that the carefully prepared insulation covers and comforters will serve as a dependable shield, warmly protecting residents through the long winter nights.
We sincerely thank everyone who joined hearts so that neighbors may find hope once again. We also ask for your continued support for WeLoveU’s journey to respond to the climate crisis.
