Minister for Social and Affordable Housing Roderick Galdes visited a building project in Naxxar being carried out by the Caritas Foundation. The project is part of the Housing Authority’s specialist housing initiative, with the Authority providing a €730,000 grant to Caritas for its implementation.
The project will provide safe and dignified accommodation to women who, following their rehabilitation from drugs or other substances, want to integrate into society but still need guidance and a stable environment that will lead to real change in their lives.
The management of the building and the services provided will be entirely in the hands of Caritas. While observing the progress of the construction works, together with the Director of Caritas Anthony Gatt, Minister Galdes referred to the collaboration between the two sides.
He said that the project is a testament to a model where government institutions and the voluntary sector complement each other. Minister Galdes stated that hand in hand with Caritas, a social infrastructure is being built that helps and supports individuals to take their steps on the path towards social integration.
Director of Caritas, Anthony Gatt, thanked the Housing Authority for this collaboration, which will translate into critical assistance so that people rehabilitated from drugs can stand on their own feet. This project will give them a solid foundation from which they can integrate into society as whole people. Through this project, people who have successfully completed a rehabilitation program and who, for one reason or another, do not have a place to stay, will be able to live in this building for a temporary period of between six months and a maximum of two years, depending on their individual needs. During this period, they will be able to integrate back into society with the peace of mind that they have a roof over their heads, in order to then move on to an independent life. This project of supported housing and aftercare services will give priority to women, women with children, as well as young people.
