Pilot housing construction projects for Roma in the Zakarpattia oblast will begin next spring
Pilot housing construction projects for Roma in the Zakarpattia oblast will begin next spring. The initiative is supported by Habitat for Humanity and the International Renaissance Foundation’s Roma of Ukraine and East-East: Partnership Beyond Borders programs. The announcement was made at a November 8 press conference in Kyiv by representatives of IRF’s Roma of Ukraine Program and Roma organizations.
Part of the cost of building the homes will be paid directly by Roma families, with co-financing and organizational support to be provided by charitable organizations and local government. The project will build on Habitat’s experience in other EU countries.
“According to estimates, Ukraine is home to nearly 300,000 Roma, and they are one of the most vulnerable social groups. The lack of housing leads to health, education and employment problems,” said Nataliya Kyyak, the manager of the IRF Roma of Ukraine Program.
“The first Habitat projects in Zakarpattia will help those families that need to renovate their homes and already have sources of income,” said Eleanora Culcear, director of the charitable organization Blago. “This will increase the responsibility of families that pay for their own reconstruction. If the initiative is successful, it will spread to other communities.” Culcear also said that the Zakarpattia regional government is interested in joining the project.
The speakers cited the successful experience in Romania, where Habitat has helped hundreds of Roma families obtain housing. In order to participate in the program, families must pay at least 30-50% of the full cost of the work – 15,000 euros. This has enabled Roma families to live in normal conditions, children can regularly attend school, and in the future will be able obtain a minimal level of education and employment.
Roma of Ukraine Program
Natalia Kyyak
(+38 044) 461 95 00
kyyak@irf.ua
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Roma of Ukraine Program goal is to promote the initiatives aimed at raising the level of education of Roma youth, elaboration and monitoring of the efficient state policy regarding Roma minority, improvement of access to healthcare services and promotion of Roma rights protection efforts.
The East East: Partnership Beyond Borders Program supports exchange of information, experience, expertise and knowledge, through multi-national initiatives and networks of informed, empowered people, in the realization of practices of open society in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
