The Housing First project team, led by Agnieszka Siekiera, received nearly PLN 120,000 in grants for activities aimed at helping people affected by homelessness. The team led by Agnieszka Siekiera has been initiating and implementing projects aimed at countering social inequalities for over two decades. Currently, since 2019, they are implementing the Zamieszkani project, which implements the innovative Housing First method in Poland. This project expands and ensures the continuation of existing initiatives.
The Zamieszkani program promotes housing for people experiencing homelessness.
Developed in Finland, the method assumes that housing is the foundation for overcoming homelessness. Housing should not be treated as a reward – it is a right, a place where a person experiencing homelessness can recover and begin making life-changing decisions in a safe environment, changes that can permanently end the homelessness crisis.
As part of the project, the team has completely renovated, furnished, and handed over 18 apartments to people experiencing homelessness, over half of whom have already become independent tenants! The remaining individuals have already submitted the necessary documents to become independent tenants.
Funds from the grant are allocated for psychological, legal, social, and medical support. The purchase of medicines, food, and small equipment will also be supported. Informational activities will also be conducted, focusing on, among other things, changing stereotypical perceptions of homelessness and identifying ways to prevent it.
The immediate planned outcome of the grant will be four additional people who will move into social housing and submit applications for independent rental housing.
The grant was awarded by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy for “Activities for the professional and social integration and reintegration of people at risk of social exclusion” as part of the “Overcoming Homelessness: A Program to Assist the Homeless” project. MODULE II: Support for the Homeless. OBJECTIVE: Conducting intervention and activation activities targeted at homeless people. Measure 3.
