Czech Government Agency for Social Inclusion praises town for using EU funds to create social housing

Last year the Czech town of Chomutov bought 16 apartment units from private owners and turned them into social housing for those in need. After minor reconstruction, the units are now being used by single mothers or by people with mental or physical disabilities.

Český rozhlas Sever, the northern regional edition of public broadcaster Czech Radio, reported that the neighboring city of Most has taken a similar approach and both towns plan to continue buying units this year. The Czech Government Agency for Social Inclusion is praising the approach.

Chomutov was the first to begin with the buyouts. The town used European Union subsidies to do so.

"We bought 16 apartment units this year. Naturally we want to continue that in 2020 as well, but it depends on whether there will be a subsidy title for it because it would be no small financial burden on the town. It cost CZK 7.5 million [EUR 300 000], the town paid 10 % of that," Deputy Mayor Milan Märc told the regional broadcaster.

"Currently we have 53 adults and 52 children accommodated in 28 apartments," summarized the manager of the project on social housing, Mária Šťastná. The town chose an approach that is also advocated by the Agency.

"They are creating their own stock of social apartments for those in need, which is the best way to preclude trafficking in poverty," director David Beňák posted to the Agency's official Facebook profile. The neighboring city of Most bought four apartment units last year for CZK 2 million [EUR 80 000] using subsidies for the creation of social housing.

Most also wants to continue buying units. "There is demand here. This call for applications is the same as the one we drew the financing from before, so we have decided to apply. We will attempt buying more social apartments for the needy," said Mayor of Most Jan Paparega (ProMost - "For Most").