Housing First support in the Czech Republic
The project focuses on developing and supporting the Housing First approach in the Czech Republic. Key activities include individual support for Housing First teams and projects, evaluation of fidelity to the original model, development of the Housing First Czech Republic Hub as a platform for sharing knowledge and experience and joint action by HF programs, and design of a pilot semester-long course focused on homelessness, its prevention, and ending it. The project strengthens professional capacities and supports the effective implementation of Housing First principles.
Registrační číslo projektu: CZ.03.02.01/00/24_064/0005586
Trvání: 1. 8. 2025–30. 6. 2028
Operační program Zaměstnanost plus
Číslo výzvy: 03_24_064
Název výzvy: Podpora sociálního bydlení (2)
Professionalization of the Social Housing Platform in the areas of communication and fundraising
The Social Housing Platform project addresses systemic support for the prevention and elimination of housing emergencies in the Czech Republic. It focuses on strengthening communication with member organizations, the public, and key stakeholders through awareness campaigns, methodological support, and the creation of communication packages. It supports the networking of organizations in the regions most affected by housing emergencies and develops multi-source financing, including corporate fundraising, thereby contributing to the stability and sustainability of the umbrella organization.
In the area of communication and awareness-raising activities, we want to increase awareness of the issues of homelessness and housing shortages and the possibilities for solving them. We aim to increase and deepen awareness among the general public and professionals, member organizations, social service providers and contractors, politicians, decision makers, and other key actors. We will involve member organizations in communicating complex issues related to ending homelessness and housing shortages, for which we will provide them with sufficient support.
In developing the umbrella organization itself, we plan to achieve greater autonomy for PSB during the project implementation and to strengthen the effectiveness of internal processes as well as those directed at member organizations. Sustainable management of the umbrella organization is directly related to its financing, which is why we are focusing on developing multi-source financing for PSB in the project, with the aim of gradually increasing independence from public sources and strengthening cooperation between the umbrella organization and other market players. Based on our findings, we will then provide member organizations with adequate support in setting up their own multi-source financing processes.
Registrační číslo projektu: CZ.03.02.02/00/24_079/0005357
Trvání: 1. 6. 2025–31. 5. 2027
Operační program Zaměstnanost plus
Číslo výzvy: 03_24_079
Název výzvy: Budování kapacit a profesionalizace NNO (2)
Strengthening rental relationships for households living in highly insecure and inadequate housing
The project focuses on mapping the most risky forms of tenancy relationships with the most significant impact on households in housing need and on forced evictions in selected locations. Based on the data collected, it seeks to systematically influence the legal framework for housing and support households in insecure and unsuitable housing. The key objective is to build trust and cooperation between vulnerable tenants, landlords, local governments, and legislators in order to increase the stability of tenancy relationships. The project includes analytical work, legal and advocacy support, educational activities, and strengthening cooperation with key actors in the field of housing.
Financial support for this project was provided from the state budget through the Ministry of Regional Development.
Název programu: NNO v oblasti bydlení
Název oblasti: Metodická a koncepční podpora, poradenství v oblasti bydlení
Trvání: 1. 4. 2025–31. 12. 2025
MOPS: Network for prevention and support against housing insecurity
The project focuses on solving complex cases of housing emergencies, which often exceed the capabilities of existing support systems. The main tool of the project is MOPS (Local Expert Support for Systemic Solutions), which brings together local actors, authorities, and non-profit organizations at the level of municipalities with extended powers in order to coordinate and provide targeted support to the most vulnerable households.
More about the objectives: The project aims to develop a system of coordinated cooperation with selected municipalities with extended powers (ORP) to address complex cases of housing emergencies. This system will focus on preventing the worsening of housing emergencies and efforts to prevent the unwanted migration of vulnerable households. Together with local actors, the project will focus on:
Preventing the worst consequences of housing emergencies – providing systematic support to ensure that households do not fall into even more serious crises, which would be costly not only for them but also for public finances. The aim is to further develop the system of cooperation within the ORP, taking into account the capacities of individual actors, and to integrate this model into the standard functioning of the ORP. The project prioritizes households that are unable to resolve their housing emergency independently under the current legislative environment. The project also focuses on capturing and sharing information about crisis situations among relevant actors capable of addressing these problems (e.g., the closure of hostels or problematic housing).
Supporting the most vulnerable households – providing effective and comprehensive assistance to prevent further economic and social decline of these households.
Coordination between institutions and organizations – linking support between state institutions, non-profit organizations, and other actors at the ORP level.
Reg. č.: CZ.03.03.01/00/23_051/0005387
Trvání: 1. 3. 2025 – 29. 2. 2028
Operační program Zaměstnanost plus
Číslo výzvy: 03_23_051
Název výzvy: Realizační fáze vývoje řešení
Výstupy projektu:
Toto dílo Vstupní evaluační zpráva k projektu je licencováno pod licencí Creative Commons CC BY 4.0. Licenční podmínky navštivte na adrese CC BY 4.0 Právní ujednání | Uveďte původ 4.0 Mezinárodní | Creative Commons.
Strengthening and developing systemic solutions in the TOP 20 municipalities with the highest proportion of housing shortages
The aim of the project is to increase the low effectiveness of ending homelessness in the TOP 20 municipalities, where more than 50% of housing emergencies in the Czech Republic are concentrated. The project will therefore focus on cooperation with these municipalities through a deeper analysis of the needs, barriers, and weaknesses of existing services, on the basis of which it will offer a reform of the current creation and development of systemic solutions.
The project runs from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2026.
Reg. č.: CZ.03.02.02/00/22_027/0001270
Příjemce: Platforma pro sociální bydlení, z.s.
Název programu: Operační program Zaměstnanost plus
Číslo výzvy: 03_22_027
Název výzvy: Zavádění nových řešení ve službách podporujících sociální začleňování (1)
Výstupy projektu:
Vstupní evaluační zpráva k projektu
Toto dílo Vstupní evaluační zpráva k projektu je licencováno pod licencí Creative Commons CC BY 4.0. Licenční podmínky navštivte na adrese CC BY 4.0 Právní ujednání | Uveďte původ 4.0 Mezinárodní | Creative Commons.
The Social Housing Platform has participated in the following projects in the past:
Supporting the successful dissemination of the Housing First approach in the Czech Republic, with a focus on mutual learning and different levels of advancement and knowledge of the concept.
The aim of the project is to support at least 15 teams that use Housing First principles. Individual consultations and meetings within thematically focused groups (Hubs) will enable individual support to be tailored to the different needs and stages of development of the programs, with an emphasis on the transfer of experience between teams. The activities and outputs are aimed at supporting the implementation of HF programs and networking, with an emphasis on strengthening mutual learning and self-education.
The project runs from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025.
Reg. č.: CZ.03.02.02/00/22_027/0001269
Příjemce: Platforma pro sociální bydlení, z.s.
Název programu: Operační program Zaměstnanost plus
Číslo výzvy: 03_22_027
Název výzvy: Zavádění nových řešení ve službách podporujících sociální začleňování (1)
Vstupní evaluační zpráva k projektu
Závěrečná zpráva o hodnocení věrnosti původnímu modelu HF
Závěrečná zpráva projektu podpory Housing First v ČR
Metodika hodnocení věrnosti původnímu modelu HF
Závěrečná evaluační zpráva k projektu
Zpráva o stavu vědomí Housing First v ČR
Tato díla k projektu jsou licencována pod licencí Creative Commons CC BY 4.0. Licenční podmínky navštivte na adrese CC BY 4.0 Právní ujednání | Uveďte původ 4.0 Mezinárodní | Creative Commons.
Promoting a systemic solution to the housing crisis in the Czech Republic: comprehensive legislation based on partnership between the state and municipalities
Cíl projektu:
The aim of the project is to promote a systemic solution to the housing crisis that will be accepted by key stakeholders, primarily municipalities, and will lead to a reduction in the number of people in need of housing. There are 83,000 such people living in the Czech Republic, including 20,000 children. In 2019, we worked with a coalition of experts to prepare a comprehensive legislative proposal, which we now want to promote in the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic. The advocacy strategy envisages the creation of a coalition of MPs, local governments, experts, and interest groups, working with the most vocal opponents (repressive municipalities), legal and media support, and analyses. If the bill fails, we will push for partial changes using the salami tactic.
Termín realizace:
1. 3.2020–28.2.2023
Advocating system approach to homelessness in the CR: Complex legislation emerging from the partnership between central and local level governments.
Project aim:
The aim of the project is to advance system approach to homelessness in the CR, approved by key stakeholders. 83 000 people including 20 000 children live in acute housing need in the country. In 2019 we developed a complex homelessness legislation in a coalition of experts, and now we plan to present it in the parliament. Our strategy includes coalition building (MPs, local politicians, experts and interest groups), works with the vocal opponents (repressive cities), and provides legal, media and analytic support. If the complex bill fails we will advocate piece by piece.
Realization:
1.3.2020 – 28.2.2023
Projekt podpořila Nadace OSF v rámci programu Active Citizens Fund, jehož cílem je podpora občanské společnosti a posílení kapacit neziskových organizací. Cílem programu je dále inspirace k aktivnímu občanství a pomoc znevýhodněným skupinám. Program Active Citizens Fund vstoupil do České republiky v září roku 2019 s cílem podpořit neziskové organizace nehledě na jejich velikost a zkušenosti. V České republice jej spravuje konsorcium, které tvoří Nadace OSF, Výbor dobré vůle – Nadace Olgy Havlové a Skautský institut. Program je realizován v rámci Fondů EHP a Norska 2014–2021. Prostřednictvím Fondů EHP a Norska přispívají státy Island, Lichtenštejnsko a Norsko ke snižování ekonomických a sociálních rozdílů v Evropském hospodářském prostoru (EHP) a k posilování spolupráce s 15 evropskými státy. Důležitým posláním programu je také spolupráce mezi Českou republikou a dárcovskými státy. Jde o spolupráci mezi českými neziskovými organizacemi a organizacemi z Islandu, Lichtenštejnska a Norska.
The project is being supported by the Open Society Fund Prague from the Active Citizens Fund. The programme promotes citizens’ active participation in the public life and decision making and builds capacities of civil society organizations. It promotes respect of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and the respect for human rights including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Active Citizens Fund came to the Czech Republic in September 2019 with the goal to support CSOs regardless of their size and experience. It is operated by the Open Society Fund Prague, Committee of Good Will – the Olga Havel Foundation and Scout Institute. The Active Citizens Fund is financed from EEA and Norway Grants 2014–2021. With EEA Grants, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway contribute towards a reduction in economic and social disparity and the strengthening of mutual cooperation in Europe. One of the important objectives of the programme is strengthening bilateral cooperation between donor and beneficiary states through financial contributions in specified priority sectors. It supports bilateral relations between the donor states Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein and the Czech Republic.
Program Active Citizens Fund: https://www.activecitizensfund.cz/
Fondy EHP a Norska: https://eeagrants.org/
Nadace OSF: https://osf.cz/
Výbor dobré vůle – Nadace Olgy Havlové: https://www.vdv.cz/
Skautský institut: https://www.skautskyinstitut.cz/
Follow-up study of the impact of Housing First on families with children in Brno after five years
The project enables the evaluation of selected objectives of the Partnership Agreement for the 2014-2020 programming period related to social housing and social inclusion activities in the design of a randomized controlled experiment of the Housing First intervention for families with children. The causal effects of the intervention will be monitored after five years. Questionnaire and administrative data will be collected and evaluated, and the results can be used to better target OPZ+ and IROP+ calls.
Project objectives:
1) To determine whether Housing First, compared to no intervention, leads to better results in the medium term in terms of a) the prevalence of homelessness, b) housing security, c) the mental health of parents and children, and d) the use of emergency health services by families. Secondary outcomes include housing quality, health and quality of life of families, social integration of parents, financial stability of families, family reunification, prevention of institutionalization of children, and school attendance of children.
2) To verify the impacts of the intervention in administrative data (schools, health system, social and legal protection of children system).
3) Evaluate the extent to which the Housing First intervention contributes to the achievement of the Partnership Agreement objectives, specifically the following:
Establish a comprehensive approach to supporting socially disadvantaged families with the aim of integrating children into mainstream education.
Encouraging people at risk of poverty or social exclusion to complete their education, enter the labor market, and integrate into society.
Greater connectivity and permeability of social housing and social work (including healthcare).
Reducing the threat of poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion due to poor health, including support for healthy lifestyles among vulnerable groups, including Roma and residents of excluded areas. Introducing new community-based mental health services.
Promoting equality between men and women and non-discrimination.
Reg. č.: CZ.08.1.125/0.0/0.0/16_004/
Příjemce: Platforma pro sociální bydlení, z.s.
Název programu: Operační program Technická pomoc
Číslo výzvy: 08_16_004
Strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of the Social Housing Platform
The project aims to professionalize the Social Housing Platform in several ways. The result will be deeper cooperation and information sharing between member organizations through regional meetings and meeting the needs of members. Advocacy activities and awareness-raising in the area of social housing will be developed. The project will enable targeted professional training for the Platform’s staff and the establishment and development of corporate and grant fundraising to achieve greater financial stability for the organization.
The project runs from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2025.
Reg. č.: CZ.03.02.02/00/22_039/0001387
Příjemce: Platforma pro sociální bydlení, z.s.
Název programu: Operační program Zaměstnanost plus
Číslo výzvy: 03_22_039
Název výzvy: Budování kapacit a profesionalizace NNO (1)
Changing the culture of government agencies as the key to systemic policies for ending homelessness
The aim of the project is to understand the mechanisms of local government authorities so that, based on in-depth knowledge, solutions can be proposed to overcome the barriers to the implementation and continuity of policies to end homelessness, which are subject to the current culture of the authority (customs, hierarchies, atmosphere, and overall functioning). The project aims to strengthen efforts to systematically and effectively prevent and end housing emergencies, especially in the 20 most affected municipalities, which account for more than 50% of housing emergencies in the Czech Republic.
The project runs from April 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024.
Reg. č.: CZ.03.03.01/00/22_021/0001431
Příjemce: Platforma pro sociální bydlení, z.s.
Název programu: Operační program Zaměstnanost plus
Číslo výzvy: 03_22_021
Název výzvy: Inkubační fáze vývoje řešení
Veřejné výstupy z projektu:
Změna kultury úřadu – Veřejná brožura
Shrnující dokument – Co jsme v inkubaci zjistili a co jsme se naučili v projektu Změna kultury úřadu
Prezentace – Koncept a ideace – Chomutov
Prezentace – Koncept a ideace – Olomouc
Výstup ze druhého workshopu – Olomouc
Změna kultury úřadu – naše cesta ke spolupráci a efektivitě úřadů
Tato díla k projektu jsou licencována pod licencí Creative Commons CC BY 4.0. Licenční podmínky navštivte na adrese CC BY 4.0 Právní ujednání | Uveďte původ 4.0 Mezinárodní | Creative Commons.
Strong roots for ending homelessness
Up to 1,400,000 people in the Czech Republic are currently facing serious housing problems. In order to find a systemic solution to these problems, the Czech Republic needs to adopt and begin implementing effective legislation in the area of housing support. A government bill is currently being drafted that has the potential to be such legislation. It is based on a proposal by the cross-sector initiative Za bydlení (For Housing), whose founding member and coordinator is the Platform for Social Housing (more here). Thanks to this project, we are strengthening cross-cutting cooperation on the creation and enforcement of the law with key players both outside and inside the initiative.
The project runs from October 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025.
Číslo projektu: 62600-2023-04-0013-APN4401
Grantová výzva: Stronger Roots
Together for the law
The aim of the proposed project is to support educational and communication activities that cannot be provided by the ministries responsible for enforcing and implementing the Housing Support Act. Based on current conditions and needs, the project implementation team will create specific awareness-raising and communication tools (seminars, meetings, events, videos, performances) aimed at two target groups: 1) legislators; 2) the general public, with the aim of changing attitudes and opinions through appropriate work with emotions associated with solving the housing crisis in the Czech Republic.
Based on current conditions and needs, the project implementation team will create specific educational and communication tools (seminars, meetings, happenings, videos, performances) aimed at two target groups: 1) legislators; 2) the general public, with the aim of changing attitudes and opinions through appropriate work with emotions associated with solving the housing crisis in the Czech Republic. Key activity 1 will result in a seminar for legislators and six personal meetings with members of parliament. Key activity 2 will result in two events and four videos focused on raising awareness about the Housing Support Act.
Financial support for this project was provided from the state budget through the Ministry of Regional Development.
Název programu: NNO v oblasti bydlení
Název oblasti: Metodická podpora poradenství v oblasti bydlení
Trvání: červen 2024 – prosinec 2024
Supporting the successful spread of the Housing First approach in the Czech Republic
The aim of the project is to support local teams in planning and implementing Housing First (HF) programs
using a combination of expert consultations and workshops, facilitated participatory
problem solving, transfer of good practices, support for regional peer cooperation between HF teams, and
strengthening reflection on adherence to HF principles.
The model procedures for managing identified risks and the support methodology for HF teams
will help to make HF programs a standard tool for reducing housing emergencies.
The following key activities are being implemented as part of the project:
Development of the systematic use of HF in the Czech Republic
Support for the planning and preparation of Housing First programs
Support for the implementation of Housing First programs
Evaluation of the effectiveness of Housing First programs and their methodological support
Výstupy:
Závěrečná zpráva o hodnocení věrnosti původnímu modelu HF
Metodika hodnocení věrnosti původnímu modelu HF
Projekt trvá od 1. května 2020 do 30. dubna 2022.
Reg. č.: CZ.03.2.63/0.0/0.0/19_098/0015290
Příjemce: Platforma pro sociální bydlení, z.s.
Název programu: Operační program Zaměstnanost
Číslo výzvy: 03_19_098
Název výzvy: Podpora procesů ve službách a podpora rozvoje sociální práce
Všechny obce mohou řešit bezdomovectví, když mají dobré rádce
The aim of the project is to test new approaches to providing support to municipalities that are dealing with housing shortages in their areas. The current services provided by the Social Housing Platform are more suited to active municipalities with sufficient capacity to tackle homelessness, while we can only provide partial assistance to other municipalities in need, or we have to refuse them altogether. The project will focus on a deeper analysis of the needs of municipalities, the barriers and weaknesses of existing services, the development of new services, and the reform of existing services according to the principles of the Human Centered Design method, capable of supporting a wider range of municipalities.
The project runs from February 1, 2020, to November 30, 2021.
Reg. č.: CZ.03.3.X/0.0/0.0/17_083/0014297
Příjemce: Platforma pro sociální bydlení, z.s.
Název programu: Operační program Zaměstnanost
Číslo výzvy: 03_17_083
Název výzvy: Nová řešení pro tíživé sociální problémy
It can also be different – Restoring Dreams to tackle loneliness
V programech podpory bydlení zaměřených na vícečetně znevýhodněné osoby v bytové nouzi se často stává, že po nastěhování do bytu se účastníci programu nesnadno sžívají s novým prostředím, kde se cítí nepatřičně, cize a především sami. (Pocit) osamělost(i) je přitom jedním z významných faktorů ohrožujících stabilitu jejich bydlení. Přesto dosud neexistuje soubor metod a nástrojů, který by dal sociálním pracovníkům do rukou uspokojivé vodítko, jak poznat, že jejich klienti se cítí osaměle, jak s tímto pocitem zacházet, jak jej postupně snižovat a dosahovat tak toho, aby se nový byt měnil v domov. Toto bílé místo by měl zaplnit mezinárodní projekt s názvem It can also be different – Restoring dreams to tackle loneliness, do něhož je zapojeno 9 zemí. Výstupem bude soubor nástrojů ke snižování pocitu osamělostis metodikou jejich použití – v každé účastnické zemi bude adekvátnost vyvinutých nástrojů testována skupinou vyškolených sociálních pracovníků.
Strengthening the knowledge base of local governments for reducing and ending homelessness
The aim of the project is to increase the currently low effectiveness of addressing the housing crisis, which stems, among other things, from a lack of knowledge and available practical tools for local governments. The project will develop tools that will improve the ability of local governments and NGO program implementers to effectively reduce and end homelessness.
Specifically, there are four interrelated items:
- methodology for evaluating existing programs, including databases,
- a set of tools for systemic solutions to housing emergencies, developed on the basis of international practice and in cooperation with four municipalities, two NGOs, and other actors,
- transfer of foreign internships (foreign placements),
- A partnership network consisting of actors addressing housing emergencies at the municipal level.
Projekt realizuje Platforma pro sociální bydlení, společně se Sociologickým ústavem akademie věd a R-Mosty, které jsou zároveň hlavním žadatelem.
Web projektu:
https://www.ukoncovani-bezdomovectvi.cz/
Projekt trvá od května 2017 do dubna 2020.
Reg. č.: CZ.03.3.X/0.0/0.0/15_124/0006486
Příjemce: R – Mosty, z. s.
Partneři: SOÚ, Platforma pro sociální bydlení
Název programu: Operační program Zaměstnanost
Číslo výzvy: 03_15_124
Název výzvy: Podpora inovačního prostředí
Trainhouse
The Trainhouse project aims to train key workers in supporting housing according to the Housing First model. The project has partners from five countries (UK, Finland, Spain, Hungary, Czech Republic). It will develop methodologies focused on professional social work, the use of peer workers, and the use of volunteers in the Housing First model. As part of the project, three week-long excursions (Helsinki, London, Barcelona) will take place in 2017 to various social housing programs that operate primarily on the principles of Housing First.
Více informací:
TrainHouse
Strengthening and developing the capacity of the Social Housing Platform
The project, supported by the Employment Operational Program and financed by the European Social Fund, aims to strengthen the professional, financial, organizational, and communication capacities of the Social Housing Platform, which brings together member organizations working to promote a functional social housing system for homeless people and people excluded from housing. The project’s goal will be achieved through the implementation of several interrelated activities that strengthen the financial and organizational background of the organization. The project will include four professional seminars for Platform members, four roundtable discussions with representatives of public administration, and the creation of three regional member groups in Prague, Ostrava, and Brno. An important outcome of the project will be the organization’s strategic plan for the next three years, as well as a fundraising plan and a plan for internal and external communication.
Trvání projektu: říjen 2016 – březen 2018
Reg. č.: CZ.03.2.63/0.0/0.0/99_041/0002237
Fighting Together for the Right Social Housing Legislation, OSF Opportunity Fund
This project provided financial support to the Social Housing Platform so that, as an organization with expert knowledge of social housing, it could enter into discussions on the upcoming social housing law and its legislative process. The project included a public event attended by people with experience of housing insecurity and Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Michaela Marksová, who were able to present their concerns and demands regarding the social housing system. The project also produced the first version of a cost-benefit analysis of social housing.
Trvání projektu: duben – srpen 2016
Introduction of Rapid Re-housing for homeless families in the Czech Republic, Velvyslanectví Spojených států amerických
As part of this grant, the Platform familiarized Czech professionals with the rapid rehousing method by publishing interviews and newspaper articles about the American experience with this concept, publishing research findings and the views of social workers, and presenting the model at 12 Czech and international conferences. The platform also published a brochure entitled “Ending Homelessness Among Families with Children: Experiences from Abroad and Recommendations for Czech Cities.”
Trvání projektu: únor – říjen 2015
Organization of workshops and preparation of a social housing concept, including two pilot projects to end homelessness in Brno, the statutory city of Brno
As part of this project, the Platform prepared and implemented a two-day seminar led by Katherine Gale and Prof. Volker Busche Geertzemy. In cooperation with American expert Katherine Gale, it also prepared a pilot rapid rehousing project for 50 families in Brno and a final report.
Trvání projektu: březen – prosinec 2015
Platform for Social Housing – Discursive Shift, OSI
The aim of the “Platform for Social Housing” project was to build a strong coalition of relevant organizations and individuals interested in the issue of social housing, its poor quality, and lack of availability. Through educational and participatory activities, the most problematic issues were identified and appropriate tools for addressing them were proposed. The proposed tools and procedures were then consulted with representatives across the political spectrum with the aim of ensuring their adoption through appropriate legislation. The project was submitted by the organization IQ Roma servis.
Trvání projektu: prosinec 2013 – prosinec 2014