A new type of crisis centre for people in acute need is being established in Prague. The city is purchasing a large residential building in Anděl to bring social, medical and psychological assistance under one roof – a milestone in Prague’s social policy.
The city of Prague has taken a significant step in social and health policy: on Monday, the city council approved the purchase of a large residential building on Nádražní Street in the Smíchov district. The building, located close to the Anděl transport hub, will house a modern crisis centre. The aim is to offer people in acute life crises a comprehensive point of contact – while also strengthening the feeling of safety in the area.
“The area around Anděl to Smíchov station has been a hotspot for years – many homeless people and individuals with addiction problems gather here,” explains Alexandra Udženija, Deputy Mayor of Prague responsible for social affairs and health. “But until now, this part of the city has lacked easily accessible medical, social and psychological support. We now want to finally close this gap.”
The acquired property consists of five connected buildings with a total area of over 1,700 square metres – including an inner courtyard and garages. The complex currently comprises 22 residential and 14 commercial units, including doctors’ surgeries. The purchase price amounts to 225 million koruna (around 9 million euros).
What is to be created here goes far beyond a conventional social project. The planned centre will not only offer homeless people, addicts and other vulnerable groups a place to wash or sleep, but above all professional support in a safe environment. “Our goal is to give these people real prospects – a way back to a dignified and stable life,” says Udženija.
The concept for the centre was developed in collaboration with experts from the fields of social work, healthcare and addiction counselling. Successful facilities in Germany and Canada served as models, such as the ‘one-stop shop’ model or ‘The Access Point’ in Toronto. In Prague, too, social and medical services will be offered under one roof in the future.
Plans include:
- sanitary facilities and emergency material aid,
- medical outpatient and short-term care,
- addiction counselling and psychological support,
- street social work by professionals,
- advice on housing, debt and social benefits,
- premises for the city police,
- transitional housing for vulnerable families and single mothers.
“It will be the first centre of its kind in the Czech capital – a real turning point in dealing with people in crisis situations,” says Udženija. “With this project, we are showing that social responsibility and security are not contradictory. We are helping the most vulnerable – and at the same time, everyone who lives in the neighbourhood benefits.”
