Homelessness is an issue of paramount importance, and one that is not often spoken about in our country. And understandably so: it is not a visibly pressing problem in our streets. But its significance cannot be understated, especially in light of the social challenges in our country that may prevent some from affording homes.
Recently, I attended an informal Ministerial meeting organised by the Belgian Presidency on this topic. This meeting rightly emphasised the need for inclusivity and lays the groundwork for equitable futures for all people.
It must be said that in Malta, we pride ourselves on our robust social and housing policies, which we designed with the people’s wellbeing at their core. The reality is that our approach has been transformative, placing housing not just as a necessity, but as a central pillar in our society.
This paradigm shift towards holistic housing policies underscores our commitment to security, belonging, prosperity, and overall wellbeing in Malta, and our strategies have effectively kept homelessness at bay: a testament to our alignment with the principles set forth in the Lisbon Declaration. In fact, we have seen tangible and visible progress in the housing sector.
But the journey towards complete inclusivity is ongoing. We are dedicated to extending our support to every individual in need. Our social workers tirelessly assist those at risk of homelessness, conducting evaluations and providing access to emergency or long-term shelters as needed.
Beyond immediate shelter, we focus on comprehensive care plans, including employment assistance and access to essential government services; and the Housing Authority, as a cornerstone of our strategy, offers diverse and situation-specific services.
Our social housing policy is particularly noteworthy, assisting those unable to afford housing through conventional means. The New Hope Guarantee scheme is a prime example of our commitment to inclusivity and equity, as it enables individuals with medical issues or disabilities to become homeowners, with the government acting as a guarantor for property loans up to €250,000.
We also recognise the importance of engaging private property owners. Initiatives like the ‘Nikru Biex Nassistu’ scheme encourage landlords to lease vacant properties to the Housing Authority, further expanding our housing options.
Our commitment to tailored services, administered through the Housing Authority, demonstrates our dedication to addressing housing challenges effectively and compassionately.
Notable initiatives by the Housing Authority include the implementation of the Private Residential Unit Leases Act, the construction of social housing units, the introduction of specialised housing policies under the Sustainable Communities Fund, financial initiatives like social loans, and various homeownership schemes. We have also invested in the refurbishment of existing housing stock and introduced reforms like the pre-1995 law to balance affordability and fair returns for landlords.
Our journey towards an inclusive and equitable housing system continues with vigor and purpose. I believe Malta stands as a testament to the effectiveness of targeted, compassionate housing policies, and we remain committed to building on, and continuing to improve, the good that we have done -- especially in order to tackle new emerging challenges.
As a Government, we prioritise the wellbeing of our people. We understand that unaddressed, homelessness incurs significant social costs, especially in justice and health sectors. We therefore must address and prevent homelessness through thoughtful, effective policies.
Roderick Galdes is Minister for Social Accommodation