One year SOLACE-CEE in HESED, Bulgaria
From First Steps to a Sustainable Integrated Support Model
A year ago, the SOLACE-CEE project was launched in Bulgariawith a focus on improving access to integrated health and social services for people living in insecure or inadequate homes.
What did we accomplish in the first year?
Analysis and preparation
We started with a study of the local context – we identified the main gaps in the system and the barriers for people in housing insecurity to access services.
Fieldwork and crisis support
The team of the hub in the Faculteta neighbourhood responds to specific crisis situations, including cases of people left homeless, by providing guidance, mediation and access to health and social services.
Capacity Building
We conducted introductory training on the project and strengthened the capacity of the hub teamto implement an integrated, human-centered approach.
Health prevention
We have launched free blood tests for children from vulnerable communities, focusing on early prevention and timely diagnosis.
Data and Advocacy
We participated in a census of the homeless in Sofia, contributing to a better understanding of the real scale of the problem and the need for evidence-based policies.
Nutritional support and health at home
We have expanded support through nutritional assistance, which is gradually being integrated into a broader model for improving health in the home.
In this first year, the Health and Social Development Foundation – HESED laid the foundations for a sustainable model that connects healthcare, social support and homelessness prevention.
The HUB during the year
The hub in Bulgaria is located in the Fakulteta neighbourhood – one of the largest Roma neighborhoods in the country, with approximately 35,000 – 45,000 inhabitants. Many families live in informal or inadequate housing – makeshift shacks that do not meet the minimum safety and health standards, corresponding to the categories of Insecure Housing and Inadequate Housing according to the European typology of homelessness and housing exclusion ETHOS.
The Hub’s team provides integrated health and social services to people who do not have access to medical and social assistance or face difficulties due to lack of documents and skills to work with institutions.
The Hub has a doctor’s office with a general practitioner, an obstetrician-gynecologist and a pediatrician, as well as a full-time nurse. If necessary, assistance and accompaniment to other specialists are provided.
The Hub’s social worker and psychologist provide support for social services, including budget management, preparation for the labor market, and psychological counseling to deal with trauma and depression. The hub also organizes a nutrition program for 30 children, all of whom have been tested for anemia.
SOLACE-CEE in Bulgaria means fewer barriers, more access and real care for the people who most often remain outside the system. We move forward – with a focus on sustainable solutions and long-term impact.
