Housing Minister Roderick Galdes was present for a book launch on the government's ongoing and completed work done for the housing sector. He said that this book, entitled "More than just a Roof," serves as a showcase for the hand-in-hand work that has been done and is still being done between his Ministry, the Housing Authority, and various NGOs.
Minister Galdes said that this book can be considered as a real showcase of the work fulfilled in this field so far, in favour of the vulnerable.
Whilst speaking about this book and the work fulfilled for this demographic, the Minister made reference towards the main goals of the Malta Vision 2050 document that call to not only improve quality of life but also ensure that social housing is kept affordable, sustainable and inclusive.
Among the works done within social housing are the creation of a specialised housing programme, through several initiatives, where abandoned and derelict properties are transformed into inclusive homes for vulnerable groups.
Among these initiatives mentioned by Minister Galdes was the Dar Bla Ħitan residential programme. This social reintegration programme is dedicated for those serving the last part of their prison sentences, as a means to help reintegrate them back into their communities. He also mentioned Dar Tereża which provides a roof for mothers with mental health challenges, Dar il-Qawsalla for members of the LGBTIQ+ community with socioeconomic problems, Dar il-Kantuniera for those with mental health conditions or battling the effects of drug abuse, as well as an intergenerational residence that brings together elderly and young people to support each other.
Minister Galdes said that these initiatives are targeted towards the individual and that through this approach, people using any of these programmes may see state services work hand-in-hand with NGO efforts to ensure that vulnerable groups have access to keep a roof over their heads. The Minister stated that these solutions are equally aimed at providing a safe and comfortable living environment that meets the needs of different forms of life in our society.
The CEO of the Housing Authority, Matthew Zerafa, said that "this book collects success stories of a vision built on specialised housing. We want to stimulate discussion, and encourage more collaboration to carry out more projects of this type in our communities."