As part of the program “Support of the European Union to Social Housing and Active Inclusion” (EU SHAI), an event was held on 16 December 2024 to mark the opening of a house for supported living for youth transitioning out of the social welfare system in Belgrade. We are sharing the news coverage here:

” “There are too few services of this kind for young people who face significant challenges. That’s why the European Union’s support through UNOPS is so important. Every year, dozens of young people leave the alternative care system and cannot move forward without support. Our house will offer nine young people a secure place to live while they transition to independence with the help of mentors. That journey is not simple, but it cannot even begin without a roof over their heads and the steady encouragement of those who can and want to help,” emphasized Igor Mitrović, Director of ADRA.
The project, titled “A Step Towards Independence,” implemented by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), aims to improve the provision of open community-based social welfare services and contribute to the empowerment and social inclusion of young people belonging to the most vulnerable groups.

“As we witness today, the EU supports social inclusion and the socio-economic integration of the most vulnerable groups. We are committed to addressing inequalities and ensuring that no one is left behind. In this case, we will contribute to the activities of our colleagues at ADRA to facilitate the integration of young people leaving the social welfare system into the community,” said Elvira Alonso Rodriguez, Head of the First Operations Sector at the EU Delegation to Serbia.
“I am privileged today to share this moment, where through ADRA, we will support nine young people to have the foundation for a better life,” she added.
Under the project, a house with three apartments has been purchased and renovated, ensuring suitable housing for nine young people exiting the social welfare system. The apartments are fully furnished and equipped with small household appliances.
“Today, we see tangible results of our joint efforts, providing a home, a new beginning, and a brighter future for nine young people leaving the social welfare system. Young people are the future, and this project goes beyond housing – it offers them opportunities to continue education, find employment, and develop the skills needed to become independent and thrive. This milestone also represents the collective efforts of UNOPS, the European Union, national institutions, and civil society organizations to provide adequate support to the most vulnerable populations,” said Mikela Telatin, Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Serbia.

In addition to housing, young people will receive individualized support to help them realize their full potential. This includes improving daily life skills through various workshops and consultations, as well as comprehensive support in education and employment, aimed at fostering their social inclusion and independence.

“For young people like me, these programs mean much more than just a roof over our heads – they teach us how to stand on our own feet, rely on our strengths and abilities, recognize opportunities in our environment, and not miss out on chances,” said Lazar, a participant in the Supported Living for Youth service.
ADRA also organizes various workshops at its Social Center to provide young people with relevant information and resources, empowering them in their journey toward independence and helping them find educational or employment opportunities that align with their aspirations.
“Now I know I have something to offer—not just in school but beyond. Through the workshops, I’ve learned the importance of working on myself—for instance, how to handle stress, develop healthy relationships, and recognize the importance of a support network. I also learned how to present myself to a potential employer and how to negotiate work conditions during an interview,” said Anđela, who attends the independence workshops organized by ADRA.
The project is part of the program “Support of the European Union to Social Housing and Active Inclusion,” funded by the European Union (€27 million) and implemented by UNOPS. Through 19 projects on social housing and active inclusion, the program aims to provide adequate housing solutions accompanied by active inclusion measures for 350 of the most vulnerable families. The program has also implemented five infrastructure projects to improve living conditions in substandard settlements across Serbia. This project is part of the latest EU SHAI public call, aimed at supporting civil society organizations by providing new spaces for social welfare services, introducing innovative services, and improving existing open community-based social welfare services.”
This article is translated from https://social-housing.euzatebe.rs/rs/vesti/u-beogradu-otvorena-kuca-za-stanovanje-uz-podrsku-za-mlade-uz-finansijsku-podrsku-evropske-unije . The pictures are from that same source. Video: ADRA Srbija