Innovation in planning homelessness resolution services – implementing a “housing first” approach in Slovakia

Adequate, affordable housing in a secure environment is a major indicator of living standards among individuals in society. A critical element in a sustainable quality of life is the existence of support instruments for housing development. The absence of homeownership, as a fulfilment of basic human requirements, is often associated with social exclusion. One of the most troubling issues society faces today is finding a systematic solution for the housing crisis people are experiencing since homelessness significantly affects society as a whole and has a strong impact on public budgets. The need for changes in housing policy is linked to the current state of social rental housing and how the housing policy addresses the housing needs of these groups. Rental housing in Slovakia is almost inaccessible. There are very few rental apartments, which ranks us among the last ranks of statistics within the countries of the European Union. A comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the problem of homelessness. Examples of good practice point toward the importance of programmes respecting the concept of Housing First. Although some European countries employ this concept as a part of a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness and use it in practice, for Slovakia it is a new way to house the homeless. The paper provides insights into the application of this innovative approach to eliminate homelessness in Slovakia through “Housing First Cverna”, a pilot project currently in the test phase. It discusses the project’s core concept, the key principles upon which the project is built and the potential benefits. In this context, the paper provides an overview of the current social rental housing situation in Slovakia and explains existing challenges to government support for affordable housing among population segments unable to obtain adequate housing themselves.