Inclusion for All Women: Supported Housing for Persons with Disabilities in Pančevo

This International Women's Day, discover the inspirational stories of women with disabilities finding empowerment through Supported Housing 

Through the "Ensuring the sustainability of the supported housing service for persons with disabilities" implemented within the EU SHAI program by the Association "Halfway There" from Pančevo, nine persons with disabilities have received adequate support through the licensed social care service, Supported Housing for Persons with Disabilities.

Anđelka, who is 32 years old, lives in one of three apartments in Pančevo, which were purchased and renovated as part of the project with the aim to ensure the sustainability of Supported Housing at the local level.

"It means a lot to me that I live here, I have my freedom to go out and socialise and have a normal life, just like everyone else. In addition, within the Association, we have a Work Center where we do handicrafts, and I enjoy spending my free time with my friends and acquaintances," says Anđelka, a beneficiary of the Supported Housing service. 

All three apartments are fully equipped with furniture and small household appliances, and adapted to the specific needs of the beneficiaries. Furthermore, the apartments are located in central and accessible areas of the city, contributing to greater independence of beneficiaries and improving the overall quality of their everyday lives.

Sofija, who is a beneficiary of the service since 2017, explains that her living conditions are now better than before, and she enjoys socialising with her friends and watching television. However, what is most important to her is that she has a store, pharmacy, and a large park nearby. 

Beneficiaries also attend the Work Center, established by the "Na pola puta" Association, where they engage in handicrafts and other creative activities, which not only helps them develop skills and knowledge but also enhances their inclusion in the community.

When asked what her daily routine looks like, Zorica, a beneficiary of the Supported Housing service, responds: "My day starts by washing my face, having breakfast, and then tidying up my room. After that, I go to the Work Center, where I sew and make bracelets..."

In addition to their engagement in the Work Center, beneficiaries participate in various sports, cultural, and social activities in the community, such as going to the theater, having outdoor sports activities, and excursions. All beneficiaries receive support through regular health check-ups, while the Association also establishes regular contacts with their families and organises visits. 

"I really enjoy being here. When there are cultural events, I go with my friends. I love going out, walking, going to the theater, and the cinema..." says Jelena, a beneficiary of the Supported Housing service.

The project is implemented under the "EU Support for Social Housing and Active Inclusion" program, funded by the European Union (€27 million), and carried out by UNOPS. Through 19 social housing and active inclusion projects, the program has provided adequate housing solutions, accompanied by active inclusion measures, for 350 of the most vulnerable families, with over 1,200 members. The program also includes five infrastructure projects aimed at improving the living conditions in substandard settlements across Serbia. This project is part of the latest EU SHAI Public Call, aimed at providing support to civil society organisations by securing new spaces for delivering social protection services, as well as introducing new and improving existing innovative open-type social protection services in the community.