I am very pleased with the operation of the furniture bank and the Municipal Rental Agency, says the director of the Center for Social Services in Prague, Martin Šimáček
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It’s been working for a year Furniture Bank Prague and has become an important help for people who, due to their income, cannot afford the equipment. 441 households arranged their housing in this way. “It’s a big number, because we initially assumed that there would be about two hundred of those we would help. We are very happy, we help single people, seniors, people in housing need. After a year, the furniture bank is an established thing, “praises Martin Šimáček.
They had over five thousand donated furniture here during the year of operation, the biggest problem is upholstered furniture, which they cannot accept. “There is a great demand there, and we are trying to supplement it, for example, from purchases from large retail chains.”
Affordable housing thanks to City rental resources
In May, they will launch other important services related to housing. It was created City rental agency, the main task is to establish cooperation with apartment owners and then rent their apartments to people at risk of housing need. On the one hand, it seeks to increase the availability of housing for a certain group of people, on the other hand, it guarantees the owners that their property will be taken care of.
“We are very sure for the owners that the apartment will serve, that he will receive his money for it and will keep it in order. We will provide this guarantee on a contractual basis, “explains Šimáček. Thus, 16 flats have already been prepared, 12 of which are used. For most people, living alone means basic security, thanks to which they have the opportunity to solve other important things.
“Housing, if someone does not have it, then a number of other problems. We see that these people are very responsible, they have a great desire to take advantage of this opportunity and act accordingly. The moment he inhales in his apartment, they suddenly think about how to secure other things, it moves them a lot. ”The service is growing and the Center for Social Services, according to Martin Šimáček, will welcome new social workers.
How has this winter affected homeless people? What are the Social Services Center and other organizations doing for them? Where is the possibility of accommodation provided for these people? Listen to the whole interview with Martin Šimáček.