Credit: © SIP / Claude Piscitelli
On Thursday 28 March 2024, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden and the Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees, Max Hahn, visited the pilot project “Living space for ageing people in precarious situations”, an initiative aimed at providing suitable accommodation for ageing, formerly homeless people.
Located in the accommodation structure for the elderly, Haaptmann's Schlass in Berbourg, the project is managed by the Claire association, a social and assistance service for the elderly, forming part of the Elisabeth group.
Due to the increasing number of elderly homeless individuals with diverse needs and vulnerabilities, Luxembourg's Ministry of State and the Ministry for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together, and Reception of Refugees have recognised the urgent need for a specialised facility catering to their needs. Until now, such a facility has been lacking in Luxembourg. Therefore, they have decided to initiate a pilot project with 22 beds, aiming to provide comprehensive psycho-medical-social support to ensure the well-being of its beneficiaries.
Prime Minister Luc Frieden emphasised the key objective pursued by this project: “This project demonstrates our commitment to recognizing the dignity of each individual, whatever their life path. I want everyone in Luxembourg to have the opportunity to find decent housing. This living space will offer much more than just a roof over one’s head: it is an environment where compassion and support are at the heart of the project. Guaranteeing the physical, mental and social well-being of our seniors is essential.”
During the site visit, Minister Hahn highlighted the importance of the first project of this kind in the country and thanked the manager for his valuable work: “This pilot project is an important pillar in the fight against exclusion social and precariousness, which must be done at all levels, and allows dignified care for people who are among the most vulnerable in our society. The continued development of our social policy measures is particularly important to me. We must not leave anyone behind, especially those who often lack visibility in our society. A big thank you to the staff of Claire ASBL and the Elisabeth group who are committed to helping the most deprived people in our country.”
The pilot project welcomed the first beneficiaries in February 2024 and the official inauguration will take place towards the end of the first half of 2024.
