„Ana i Vlade Divac” Fund announced the results of fundraising for housing solutions for refugees and IDPs accommodated in collective centres in Serbia in implementing the project “You Can Do It Too” in partnership with the Serbian Commissioner for Refugees and UNHCR.
Belgrade, 21 January 2010 – 202 families who spent over a decade in collective centers throughout Serbia got new housing since September 2007, when „Ana i Vlade Divac“ Fund (HOD) launched a project „You Can Do It Too“ in partnership with the Commissioner for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia and UNHCR and with the assistance of numerous partners, businesses and citizens. In 2009, the funds were raised for 102 families and the aim of the Fund in 2010 is to reduce substantially the number of some 1000 families currently remaining in 62 collective centres through provision of housing.
„Problems of refugees and IDPs remaining in the collective centres in Serbia can be resolved only if all stakeholders – state agencies, international and non-governmental organisations – pool their resources, but also with the support of the entire community. And so the success of the project „You Can Do It Too“, is reflected also in the fact that we have managed to involve some 50,000 persons and raise the interest among the wider public, companies, the media and citizens who, by their donations and support, helped us fundraise for housing solutions for a large number of refugees and IDPs living in collective centres. Our aim was to ensure funds for 100 houses in 2009 and despite the difficult situation we managed to exceed this number. I thank you all and invite everyone to take part in the action „You Can Do It Too“. I wish we double the number of the persons assisted in 2010“, said Snežana Divac, Chairwoman of the Fund „Ana i Vlade Divac“ at a press conference.
„In the course of 2009, we have provided care and accommodation and economic strengthening to 1358 refugee and IDP families through different projects. 795 persons living in collective centres were covered by the refugee integration and IDP improvement of living conditions programmes funded by the Commissioner for Refugees, the European Union, UNHCR, ASB and other donors. The Commissioner for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia is also working on the programme of closure of collective centres by supporting the residents of collective centres in finding adequate solutions. On the basis of past experience, closure of collective centres requires adequate funds and careful planning and implementation of durable solutions projects. Closure of collective centres will open up the doors to redirecting funds towards intensification of assistance to persons living in the so called private accommodation”, said Svetlana Velimirović, Deputy Commissioner for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia.
Eduardo Arboleda, Representative of UNHCR for Serbia said ” “The work of HOD in assisting refugees and IDPs by purchasing village houses has also illustrated that housing solutions are not elusive and that tangible durable solutions can be achieved with a positive attitude, enormous humanitarian efforts and a genuine caring for refugees and IDPs”
If you wish to joint „ You Can Do It Too“ please contact
„Ana i Vlade Divac“ Fund
Telephone: 011 39 10 955 e-mail: [email protected]
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