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Description
In 2018, there were 364 people on the waiting list for social housing in the county of Skarżysko-Kamienna, and the number of eviction rulings made without allocation of social housing was 18 (Regional Social Welfare Center, 2019). This means that almost 400 people in the county are at risk of homelessness. There are various reasons for this: an unfortunate combination of circumstances, breakdown of family life, eviction; homelessness is also linked to alcohol abuse (Skarżysko-Kamienna Municipal Social Problem Solution Strategy 2016 - 2021). People in homelessness crisis require long-term support in the form of accommodation, but also healthcare, meals, occupational training, and assistance in finding an independent residence. The project aims to create a support system for people in homelessness crisis in the county of Skarżysko-Kamienna. We will organize meetings for people in homelessness crisis with live books – people who have overcome this crisis. We will open an Aid Center to provide legal advice and psychological counseling, addiction treatment, healthcare, career counseling, and job-seeking assistance (individual track). We will provide training on community competencies (six meetings: Myself - self-reflection, my world, myself in a group, my neighbors, my needs, myself and finances). For representatives of local government and organizations, we will organize a study trip to the Bethlehem Community, where people in homelessness crisis renovated a house themselves. We will start an initiative for a resolution to acquire disused properties to help people in homelessness crisis. Twenty people in homelessness crisis from the counties of Skarżysko-Kamienna and Konskie will make use of the Aid Center. A minimum of two people will take up employment.
Summary of project results
The project addresses the problem of homelessness in the Skarżysko-Kamienna district. In 2018, the number of people waiting for social housing in the region was 364, and the number of eviction decisions without social housing designation was 18. This means that almost 400 people in the district are at risk of homelessness. The causes range from unfortunate coincidences, family breakdown, eviction from their home, to alcohol addiction. Homelessness is considered to be the most severe form of social exclusion. It involves not only the lack of a place to live, but also the inability to function properly in society. People experiencing the crisis of homelessness are socially stigmatised (Commissioner for Human Rights, 2020). They need help not only with accommodation, but also with health care, food, employment and, most importantly, assistance in obtaining independent housing.
The project developed a support system for people experiencing homelessness in the Skarżysko-Kamienna district. A Help Point was opened to provide psychological, psychotherapeutic and legal support, vocational counselling and a nurse assistance. Social skills training was provided to 16 people using the night shelter. One of the activities was a meeting with a person with a long history of homelessness who had come out of crisis and talked about her experiences. A local forum on homelessness was organised with the participation of local government representatives - city and district authorities, NGOs, media, experts in the field of homelessness (15 people). The forum participants developed recommendations that were sent to the Ministry of Family and Social Policy. A study visit was organised for representatives of local authorities and organisations to the Bethlehem Municipality, where people experiencing homelessness were involved in the renovation of their home. The Project Promoter submitted applications to the Mayor of Skarżysko-Kamienna and the PKP (Polish Railways) to hand over the premises to the homeless and create a place for them, following the example of Jaworzno or Cieszyn.
Twenty people experiencing homelessness from Skarżysko-Kamienna and Końskie districts benefited from the support of the Help Point. These people received concrete help - psychological, legal, medical, etc. They also developed their social skills and their ability to work independently. Two people took concrete steps to find their way on the labour market - one of them found a job. The project was a step towards creating a local place for people in crisis of homelessness to live and develop.