In the Italian city of Turin a new project aims to support housing autonomy and social inclusion for refugees. The initiative 'AbitaTo' was launched last week.
The initiative is part of the city's broader strategy to strengthen the local inclusion system, making housing a priority within integration and territorial cohesion policies. The project targets holders of international protection who left the Reception and Integration System (SAI) within the past 12 months and often face significant obstacles in securing stable, sustainable housing solutions, the City of Turin said in a statement, published on its website on November 20.
"Economic, bureaucratic and cultural barriers make access to the housing market particularly difficult, even for those who have already started positive paths of social and professional integration," the statement reads.
AbitaTo aims to address these challenges with a comprehensive 24-month program, supported by more than 980,000 euros in funding from the 2021-2027 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), promoted by the Ministry of the Interior and co-financed by the European Union.
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Project areas of intervention
The program will be implemented in partnership with a well-established network of third-sector organizations active in reception, intercultural mediation, and social inclusion.
Several lines of action are planned: strengthening of information, guidance and support services, with enhanced coordination with the SAI network and the creation of dedicated access points; testing of housing solutions through rent and housing contributions, mediation services and assistance in signing rental contracts; individual financial-literacy and housing-autonomy pathways; activities aimed at fostering ties between Turin residents and refugees and promoting solidarity and integration; awareness and public-communication campaigns to counter stereotypes and mistrust; training initiatives, meetings and community activities to promote a culture of welcome and engage institutions, citizens and property owners; creation of a shared database to monitor available housing opportunities and conduct analyses of the local housing market to facilitate matching supply and demand.
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'Ensuring refugees can live with dignity', says councilor Rosatelli
"Putting housing at the centre means much more than offering a roof: it means creating the conditions for every person to build relationships, access services, keep a job and participate fully in community life," said Turin's Councilor for Social Policies, Jacopo Rosatelli.
"AbitaTo is an important component of the City's Housing Plan, which aims for an inclusive and sustainable city capable of ensuring a fundamental right for everyone: the right to live in a dignified, stable, and affordable way. Achieving this requires joint efforts involving institutions, organizations, citizens, and property owners in a truly participatory governance of housing policies," he added.