EU SHAI Project transforms lives through social housing

Regarding social housing, the project employs three methods of support: constructing new apartments and houses, acquiring pre-existing houses for beneficiaries, and renovating houses already owned by beneficiaries. To date, a total of 127 families, comprising 361 family members (171 males and 190 females), have successfully transitioned to their new residences in newly constructed social housing units located in Cacak, Svilajnac, Loznica, Vrnjac     ka Banja, Ljubovija, Sabac, and Raska. Additionally, 14 family houses have been built in Koceljeva and Zagubica, accommodating the families that now call them home. Furthermore, the project has procured 56 village houses and completed the renovation of 92 houses, all aimed at improving housing conditions for those in need.

Dragana Milosevic, the Project Manager of the EU SHAI programme, elaborates on the comprehensive support offered to families selected for social housing. This support is intricately tailored to the specific needs of each family member, determined through a thorough assessment following the social housing selection process. She states, “For instance, if a family comprises four members requiring support, we provide assistance accordingly. In cases where an individual has unique needs, such as a person with a disability in need of a wheelchair or, in one instance, a young boy attending a high school in another town requiring dormitory fees, we covered those expenses, enabling him to complete his high school education. Some individuals might need to attend specific courses; for instance, we offered welding courses, a highly sought-after profession today, and facilitated their participation.”

To date, the project has extended its support to 324 families, encompassing over 1,000 individuals, through an array of active inclusion measures. Among these, 167 children have received educational support, while 104 adult men and 221 women have undergone educational training. Furthermore, 146 families have benefited from income-generating grants, 42 beneficiaries have been temporarily engaged in work, and 29 beneficiaries have become self-employed. Psychosocial support has been administered to 135 families, involving 391 members. Additionally, approximately 280 families have received assistance in the form of furniture and household appliances. Dragana underscores the significance of the active inclusion component, stating, “It plays a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s sustainability, as it is meticulously designed and implemented in alignment with the unique needs of families and individual family members.”

Dragana emphasizes the utmost importance of supporting education and professional advancement among beneficiaries, recognizing that merely providing social housing does not comprehensively address their challenges. She elaborates, “To enhance their social standing, individuals must augment their skills and education. By improving their employment prospects, they can transition from being recipients of government social support.” She further notes, “The EU SHAI programme      has brought about substantial changes in people’s lives, and they are keenly aware of this transformation.”