HERO - Housing and Empowerment for Roma

🌟 We are proud to share an update on Housing and Empowerment for Roma (HERO) activities! 🌟 Check out our latest short video showcasing the progress made in Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria to date. Through dedicated efforts and collaborative partnerships, HERO is significantly improving the lives of Roma communities by providing access to improved housing and enhancing financial inclusion. Key achievements highlighted in the video: 💰 17 savings schemes completed 💸 16 microloans issued 🏡 13 houses built 📚 177 financial literacy trainings 💼 37 employment trainings 🤝 26 partnerships established A huge thank you to all our partners, supporters, and community members who have contributed to this journey. Together, we are building a more inclusive future. CEB - Council of Europe Development Bank European Parliament European Commission Slovenská sporiteľňa Projekt DOM.ov Habitat for Humanity România Тръст за социална алтернатива/Trust for social achievement Integro Association SIS Credit BCR Social Finance #HERO #RomaEmpowerment #housing #financialinclusion #Inclusivefinance #EconomicEmpowerment #Slovakia #Romania #Bulgaria

🌟 As we mark Roma month, we invite you to take a moment to watch the HERO - Housing and Empowerment for Roma film — a short documentary that presents the HERO Pilot Project and honors the strength, resilience, and determination of the Roma families who took part in it. 🎬 The film offers a window into the everyday lives, dreams, and achievements of the people at the heart of HERO. It’s a tribute to their courage and an invitation to continue standing up for dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all. 👇 Watch, share, and join us in celebrating Roma voices: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e58_zKBi #RomaWeek #RomaMonth #HEROproject #RomaInclusion #SocialJustice #CommunityEmpowerment #EUfunded #CEB #HousingForAll CEB - Council of Europe Development Bank European Parliament European Commission Slovenská sporiteľňa Projekt DOM.ov Habitat for Humanity România Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria Тръст за социална алтернатива/Trust for social achievement Integro Association SIS Credit BCR Social Finance

🌟 As we mark Roma month, we invite you to take a moment to watch the HERO - Housing and Empowerment for Roma film — a short documentary that presents the HERO Pilot Project and honors the strength, resilience, and determination of the Roma families who took part in it. 🎬 The film offers a window into the everyday lives, dreams, and achievements of the people at the heart of HERO. It’s a tribute to their courage and an invitation to continue standing up for dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all. 👇 Watch, share, and join us in celebrating Roma voices: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e58_zKBi #RomaWeek #RomaMonth #HEROproject #RomaInclusion #SocialJustice #CommunityEmpowerment #EUfunded #CEB #HousingForAll CEB - Council of Europe Development Bank European Parliament European Commission Slovenská sporiteľňa Projekt DOM.ov Habitat for Humanity România Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria Тръст за социална алтернатива/Trust for social achievement Integro Association SIS Credit BCR Social Finance

Ďakujeme všetkým, ktorí sa aktívne podieľajú na zlepšovaní vonkajších priestorov komunitného centra v Kecerovciach #HERO #CestaVon

🚀 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗢: 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! 🌍✨ As part of the HERO Pilot Project, small social innovation grants have been driving impactful local solutions in Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia—supporting Roma communities with tailored, community-led initiatives. 🏡 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗰𝗲, 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗮 📍 A grant helped establish a 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝘂𝗯, creating a shared space where Roma and non-Roma residents, NGOs, and local authorities collaborate for inclusive local development. 🔹 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝗢𝗰𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 – 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱): ✅ Energy-efficient heating system for reliable winter warmth ✅ Renovated well for a clean and stable water supply ✅ New winter/summer terrace & community garden for a vibrant, shared space These improvements not only enhance essential infrastructure but also foster stronger community ties—ensuring long-term, sustainable impact. 📸 Swipe through the photos below to see the hub’s transformation! �� Follow us on the HERO - Housing and Empowerment for Roma LinkedIn page and visit the HERO website for more updates! Slovenská sporiteľňa CEB - Council of Europe Development Bank European Commission European Parliament Projekt DOM.ov UpSocial Daniela Aydin #RomaEmpowerment #Roma #HEROProject #CommunityDevelopment #Inclusion #Housing #AffordableHousing #SocialInclusion #MinorityRights #RomaCommunities #HumanRights #InclusionMatters #AntiDiscrimination #Construction #Homebuilding #SustainableHousing #FinancialInclusion #HousingForAll #CommunityBuilding #Empowerment

I am delighted to hear about the first microloan contracts being signed under the HERO - Housing and Empowerment for Roma project in Bulgaria! 🎉 This milestone is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of the entire implementation team at MIKROFOND and Тръст за социална алтернатива/Trust for social achievement. We look forward to seeing more success stories from this impactful project! #HERO #FinancialInclusion #Roma #housing #socialinclusion #inclusivefinance #economicempowerment

📢 Time for another update on the HERO Pilot Project’s efforts to improve financial literacy and housing in Slovakia! 🇸🇰🏠 Thanks to HERO, 19 families participating in the self-building of homes in the Slovak municipalities of Červenica, Zborov, Varhaňovce, Lenartov, and Veľká Lomnica have continued to make steady progress with construction. 🛠️ The HERO Project promotes sustainable housing solutions by directly involving families in the building process, fostering a sense of ownership, skill development, and long-term investment in their homes. Future homeowners contribute their labor, with support from local social workers and technical advisors to ensure all structures meet quality standards while remaining affordable. 🤝💪 ✅ 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗼𝘃: Of particular note are the families from Lenartov in northern Slovakia, who are already focusing on completing the interior construction of their homes. This phase includes tasks like floor preparation, electrical and plumbing installation, and room preparation for final fixtures. 🔨 The construction of interiors is a crucial milestone, bringing families a tangible step closer to achieving their dream of secure homeownership. 🏡✨ ✅ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴s 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: In parallel to housing construction, social workers have continued throughout October 2024 to support 92 members of the Roma community across the five municipalities through an integrated savings scheme. This program helps families manage the financial responsibilities of homeownership, encouraging systematic savings for construction and future maintenance. 💼💰 Services include job counseling, family budgeting, and guidance on loans and other financial assistance as needed. 🌱 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: HERO’s mission extends beyond simply building homes and enhancing financial literacy—it is dedicated to the long-term empowerment and resilience of communities. The initiative has seen particular success in Červenica, Zborov, Varhaňovce, Lenartov, and Veľká Lomnica, where collaborative construction with local families has fostered self-reliance and strengthened community solidarity. 🤲💫 Stay tuned for more updates on this journey towards sustainable, community-driven housing! 👉 Follow us on the HERO - Housing and Empowerment for Roma LinkedIn page and visit the HERO website for more updates! Slovenská sporiteľňa CEB - Council of Europe Development Bank European Commission European Parliament Projekt DOM.ov UpSocial Daniela Aydin #RomaEmpowerment #Roma #HEROProject #CommunityDevelopment #Inclusion #Housing #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #SocialInclusion #MinorityRights #RomaCommunities #HumanRights #InclusionMatters #AntiDiscrimination #Construction #Homebuilding #SustainableHousing #FinancialInclusion #HousingForAll #CommunityBuilding #SustainableLiving #HEROProject #Empowerment

🎉 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲! 🎉 Today is all about raising awareness and encouraging people to save—𝐚 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠! But for us, it's also a day to celebrate an incredible journey… In our 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭, our beneficiaries have completed 𝟐𝟖 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬. Yes, that’s right—*𝟐𝟖*! And while progress isn’t always easy to see month by month, when we look back, it’s inspiring to realize 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝. What once felt out of reach now feels possible—and that shift in mindset is a win worth celebrating. Here's to empowering change, one saving scheme at a time! 💪✨  #FinancialInclusion #HeroProject HERO - Housing and Empowerment for Roma CEB - Council of Europe Development Bank European Union Habitat for Humanity România @Centrul de Resurse pentru Comunitatile de Romi

🚨 Exciting updates on HERO Pilot Project improving financial literacy and housing in Slovakia! 🏠✨ Watch this space for more… By combining financial literacy, community collaboration, and self-building of homes, HERO project in Vechec, Jastrabie nad Topľou, Veľká Lomnica, Červenica, and beyond are setting a strong example of how to sustainably improve living standards, promote inclusion, and strengthen communities. 🌍🤝 💡 Increasing financial literacy in Vechec and Jastrabie nad Topľou: In these municipalities, financial literacy education is a cornerstone. Participants are gaining essential knowledge to manage finances effectively, fostering long-term stability and homeownership success. 💪💸 🔨 Construction progress in Veľká Lomnica: The self-building of energy-efficient homes is in full swing! HERO is helping low-income families achieve affordable homeownership. The collaboration between local workers, communities, and authorities is key, with completion set for 2025. 🏗️🌱 🛠️ Preparing for construction in Červenica: Workshops are empowering future homeowners with hands-on skills in construction techniques, building plans, and materials management, ensuring they’re ready to take the lead in building their homes. 🔧🏡 🏡 First self-built house completed in Zborov: The first self-build house under HERO is now complete in Zborov! This initiative not only cuts costs but also gives homeowners a profound sense of accomplishment and ownership. 🎉👏 👉 Follow us on the HERO - Housing and Empowerment for Roma LinkedIn page and visit the HERO website for more updates! Slovenská sporiteľňa CEB - Council of Europe Development Bank European Commission European Parliament Projekt DOM.ov UpSocial Daniela Aydin #RomaEmpowerment #Roma #HEROProject #RomaRights #CommunityDevelopment #Vechec #Jastrabie nad Topľou #Zborov #Červenica #VeľkáLomnica #Inclusion #Housing #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #SocialInclusion #MinorityRights #RomaCommunities #HumanRights #InclusionMatters #AntiDiscrimination #Construction #Homebuilding #SustainableHousing #FinancialInclusion #HousingForAll #CommunityBuilding #SustainableLiving #Empowerment

👂 👂 Heard some of the latest developments from HERO? 📣 📣 HERO - Housing and Empowerment for Roma activities have continued at a brisk pace in Bulgaria, with community meetings organized by local authorities across six municipalities – Botevgrad, Velingrad, Rakovski, Peshtera, Tvarditsa and Yablanitsa. More than 100 participants from the Roma community learned about the range of opportunities offered by HERO, including access to micro-loans to regularise their homes and improve their housing conditions and employment prospects, access to financial literacy and housing construction training, employment coaching, and mentoring. This EU pilot project, which will come to a close in February 2025, is being implemented in selected municipalities in #Bulgaria, #Romania and #Slovakia, with a view to developing a successful model for future initiatives aimed at breaking the poverty cycle in Roma communities across Europe. 🤝 👏 🤝 CEB - Council of Europe Development Bank European Commission European Parliament Daniela Aydin Тръст за социална алтернатива/Trust for social achievement Habitat for Humanity Europe & Middle East UpSocial #Integro #FinancialLiteracy #CommunityEmpowerment #HEROPROJECT #HabitatBulgaria #Botevgrad #Velingrad #Rakovski #Peshtera #Tvarditsa #Yablanitsa #CommunityEmpowerment #Inclusion #Roma #Housing #HERO #RomaEmpowerment #Roma #RomaRights #CommunityDevelopment #Inclusion #Housing #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #SocialInclusion #MinorityRights #RomaCommunities #HumanRights #InclusionMatters #AntiDiscrimination #SustainableHousing