Radović: There are no systemic solutions to the problem of homelessness

In Montenegro, homelessness is not yet a topic that is talked about enough, and there are no systemic solutions for this problem, according to the coordinator of the department's work within the Direct Assistance Program in the non-governmental organization Juventas, Marija Radović.

She said that, primarily, it is important to plan in the direction of providing shelters for the homeless, which would function in all cities and provide basic conditions for a dignified life.

"After the priority interventions, additional support should be provided in order to improve the quality of life," Radović told the MINA agency.

That, as she said, is one of the basic goals of social and child protection in accordance with the current law.

"Certainly, homelessness is still not a topic that is talked about enough in Montenegro and there are no systemic solutions," Radović assessed.

As she stated, in addition to the license to provide counseling services, in March of this year, Juventas also received a license to provide support services for life in the community - shelter.

Radović added that the licenses in question are issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare to service providers in the field of social and child protection.

She said that the drop-in service, provided by Juventas, is adapted to the needs of communities at risk of social exclusion, to which they normally provide direct support through their Direct Assistance Program.

The service, she said, includes the provision of a free meal and a shower and personal hygiene service.

"Also, it includes the obligation to provide all the material conditions for the provision of the service, and to make it safe by supporting a space with zero tolerance for discrimination on any basis", stated Radović.

She said that this is one of the most important approaches in the work of their organization.

"In addition, we mediate in the procurement of clothes and shoes for beneficiaries and their children, and we provide support in the process of providing support services for life in the community and counseling at the competent center for social work," added Radović.

As she said, although the license was issued in March, they have not yet provided a licensed drop-in service to the user who was referred by the social work center.

"An additional reason for this is that until now we have had the opportunity to provide our clients, who are in a state of social need, with a free lunch or food packages on a weekly basis through the project activity," said Radović.

That, as she said, did not require any special procedure and documentation.

"We expect that in the coming period we will also provide the first service in accordance with the procedures and under the conditions that the license entails", stated Radović.

She emphasized that this service is available to citizens from the entire territory of Montenegro if they are in Podgorica, where their Day Center is, and according to the decision of the competent center for social work.

"One of the main reasons for licensing this service and focusing on supporting people who are homeless is that we witness that a large number of people to whom we provide direct support do not have their housing issue resolved and are often without any type of accommodation, which entails additional challenges and difficulties", said Radović.

She stated that, according to the Service Provision Program, the shelter is intended for adults and elderly people who use drugs, who are homeless, as well as adults and elderly people who have been serving a prison sentence, who are homeless.

As Radović said, the shelter is also intended for adults who provide sexual services and are homeless, as well as LGBTIQ persons who are homeless.

She stated that this service is intended for young people at risk of social exclusion and especially vulnerable categories.

"Such as young people who use drugs, LGBTIQ people, people who have been serving a prison sentence, people who are involved in the provision of sexual services, and who, due to crisis circumstances in the family, are temporarily or permanently left without family accommodation, i.e. a place to live" , stated Radović.

As she said, according to the Service Provision Program, the shelter is intended for other adults and elderly people who, due to special circumstances and social risk, need an appropriate form of social protection.

Radović added that the shelter is also intended for pregnant women without family support and suitable conditions, a place to live.

"As well as single parents with children, without family support and suitable conditions, a place to live, who use drugs or engage in the provision of sexual services or have served a prison sentence or are LGBTIQ persons", stated Radović.