Brno wants to obtain a grant for 30 reconstructed social apartments

Brno - Brno wants to obtain a subsidy for 30 reconstructed social apartments. Of the total repair costs amounting to 29 million crowns, the subsidy could cover 26 million crowns, said Deputy Mayor Oliver Pospíšil (Czech Social Democratic Party) in a press release. According to him, the city expects the subsidy in the first half of the year.

Brno has nearly 30,000 apartments. Most of them are managed by municipal districts. Dozens are starter apartments for young families, and around 200 apartments are social.

The reconstructed apartments are on Bratislavská, Cejl, Koliště, Křídlovická, Plynárenská, Příční, Přízova, Rumiště, Stará, Špitálka, and Václavská streets. "The apartments were provided by the municipal district of Brno-střed. They were in poor technical condition, which is why adjustments were necessary. The reconstruction was completed last year, and the apartments are now integrated into the city's social housing fund," said Mayor Markéta Vaňková (ODS).

Brno's city council approved a document that is a condition for obtaining a European grant from the Integrated Regional Operational Program. "The total costs for the reconstruction amounted to 28.9 million crowns, and the subsidy should cover 90 percent, so we anticipate it to be 26 million crowns. By accepting it, we commit to the sustainability of the project, that is, to operate the apartments as social housing for 20 years," said Pospíšil, who is responsible for housing policy.

According to Deputy Mayor Robert Kerndl (ODS), who is responsible for the social area, most of the apartments are now occupied. The city used them in the Pilot Testing of the Social Housing Concept in Brno project. "This has given a new chance in life to people who had been living on the street, in shelters, or in asylum homes," said Kerndl. He added that social housing also includes support from social workers who respond to the needs of clients. "I believe that the combination of quality housing and social support will help people who find themselves in need improve their lives in other areas as well. It can contribute to reducing social exclusion, stabilizing finances, education and employment, or improving access to healthcare," added Kerndl.