The Mayor of Smederevo, Serbian Commissioner for Refugees and UNHCR signed today agreements for construction of a building under the programme of Social Housing in Supportive Environment funded by the European Union.
The building, consisting of 20 housing units, for Social Housing in Supportive Environment in Smederevo is realised as part of the project “Dignified Solutions for Displaced Persons living in Collective Centers or Private Accommodation in Serbia” funded from the European Union IPA 2008 funds and realised in cooperation with the Commissioner for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia and UNHCR. The EU is funding 80%, while UNHCR’s share amounts to 20% of the total cost of this project. The municipality the municipality donated the land and infrastructure.
The total value of the construction works and equipment is approximately RSD 35 million. The project will be implemented in cooperation with the NGO Housing Center, UNHCR’s long time implementing partner, specialized in this type of housing construction.
The concept of Social Housing in Supportive Environment, first introduced in 2002 and included in the Strategy for Development and Social Protection of the Republic of Serbia, has been assessed as the best and most needed solution for the remaining residents of collective centres. It provides housing for the most vulnerable groups in need of additional support from the local Centres for Social Welfare. The SHSE concept has been well accepted in over 20 municipalities throughout Serbia where over 400 housing units have been built to date.
The beneficiaries of the housing units – 16 refugee and IDP families currently living in the collective centre ORA Sartid will hold the right to use the housing units as long as they are in a situation of social need. A host family will be among the beneficiaries, whose role will be to act as a link between the residents and the Centre for Social Welfare in Smederevo providing them with necessary additional support. Every unit is provided with basic furniture, kitchen appliances and a stove. In addition to the displaced families, four domicile socially vulnerable families will benefit this project.
The collective centre ORA SARTID in Smederevo was opened in 1995. In the period 1999-2000 it was the largest collective centre in Serbia and in the Balkans with 1250 refugees and IDPs. At the time when the municipality of Smederevo developed a Local Action Plan in 2008 within the Government Support to Towns/Municipalities, the number of refugees and IDPs decreased to 632 thanks to the various durable solutions projects implemented. Currently, 410 refugee and IDPs live in ORA SARTID collective centre.
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