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From l to r: Jana Milin Herceg and Helena Babić (Udraja AjA), Linda Butcher (representing World Habitat), Ivana Sokolov (Head of the Administrative Department for Social Activities, Youth and Sports), Louise Winterburn (World Habitat) and Filip Zoričić (Mayor of Pula).

 

In Pula, a city well known for its stunning coastline and thriving tourism, a less visible but urgent challenge is gaining attention: homelessness. Recognising the growing need for action, the city has become a leader in Croatia, pioneering models such as Housing First and organised living.

Last year our Deputy CEO Louise Winterburn hosted an international study visit to Pula, to enable other cities from the region to learn from Pula’s approach. On the anniversary of the launch of the first Housing First project in Croatia, Louise catches up with the Mayor of Pula, Filip Zoričić who shares his experiences of the city’s collaboration with Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and community partners, the challenges posed by its tourist-driven housing market, and the action the city is taking to create lasting, housing-led solutions for everyone in Pula.

Louise: Can you tell me about the homeless situation in Pula?

Filip ZoričićHomelessness in Pula is a pressing issue, but we have been proactive in addressing it through a comprehensive range of services. Like other Croatian cities, we do not have an exact street count of people experiencing homelessness, but based on the services we provide, we believe we are covering the needs of those most vulnerable.

We collaborate with local NGOs that play an essential role in tackling homelessness. For example, the Institut has both a night shelter and a day centre, which offers people a place to sleep, shower, and access meals, to relax and socialise with others. In addition, the NGO What About Me offers innovative services like a mobile team, assisting around 40 people, and organised living arrangements for nine individuals who previously relied on homeless shelters. They are also implementing the Housing First model, which currently supports four participants.

We also offer support through our social programme to help marginalised groups of citizens. For example, meal delivery and financial assistance for pensioners with lower incomes, and help at home to elderly people. Our public kitchen and Red Cross provides food, hygiene packages, and clothing. Our Center for Support 521 also serves as a hub where people can access information on available services and get guidance on how to find support tailored to their needs.

We recognise that homelessness is a growing challenge, which is why we have committed to supporting two key NGOs by signing contracts for direct funding from the city’s budget. This allows us to ensure that resources are directed toward those most in need, and it reflects the city’s determination to create long-term solutions for homelessness.

Louise – How does this compare to homelessness across Croatia?

Filip Zoričić Homelessness in Pula shares many similarities with the situation across Croatia, but there are also unique challenges we face as a coastal, tourist-driven city. In general, homelessness in Croatia tends to vary based on the size and location of the city, with larger cities and coastal regions like ours experiencing greater pressures, especially when it comes to housing availability.

Croatia as a whole has faced a shortage of affordable housing since the 1990s, largely due to the privatisation of real estate and the absence of a national housing plan. This lack of regulation has left the private market to dictate housing prices, further exacerbating the issue. We are optimistic that the new national housing plan, expected to be introduced this year, will bring much-needed structural reforms and help cities like Pula manage housing prices more effectively.

While managing homelessness is crucial, we also believe that prevention is key. A comprehensive housing strategy that addresses both the supply of affordable housing and supports people before they fall into homelessness is essential in ensuring that the problem does not continue to grow. We are committed to working closely with national authorities and local partners to advocate for policies that support affordable housing and prevent homelessness, not just in Pula, but across Croatia.

Louise – What are the biggest challenges that you face, as the Municipal Government, in trying to end homelessness?

Filip Zoričić One of the biggest challenges we face in Pula is the lack of availability of long-term rental housing. As one of the most popular tourist regions in Croatia, many property owners choose short-term rentals to capitalise on the tourism industry, leaving a limited supply of affordable long-term housing. When long-term apartments are available, the rent is often so high that residents are forced to spend more than half of their income on housing, which puts immense financial strain on low-income individuals and increases their risk of homelessness

Another key challenge is the complexity of needs among the homeless population. Homelessness is often tied to other factors such as mental health issues, addiction, unemployment, and social isolation. Addressing these root causes requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, which demands significant resources, specialised services and expertise, and strong collaboration between government, NGOs, and social services.

Lastly, securing consistent funding and ensuring the sustainability of our homelessness prevention programs remains a challenge. As we look ahead, we know that continued investment in housing and support services will be crucial if we are to make real progress in ending homelessness.

Louise – Why do you believe it is important to take action?

Filip Zoričić Ensuring that all our citizens have access to stable housing ultimately strengthens the social fabric of Pula: Taking action on homelessness is not just a moral imperative but also a reflection of our values as a community. We believe that homelessness is not just about housing — it is about ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity, stability, and hope for the future.

From a social perspective, homelessness impacts the entire community. It often leads to poorer health outcomes, higher unemployment, and increased pressure on social services. By addressing homelessness head-on, we are not only improving the quality of life for the individuals affected but also creating a more resilient and inclusive community.

Economically, it is clear that prevention and early intervention are far more cost-effective than allowing homelessness to persist. Housing First, for example, has shown that when individuals have a stable home, their reliance on emergency services, shelters, and health care decreases, which reduces the overall burden on public resources. Investing in housing solutions is a smart, long-term strategy that benefits both the individuals in need and the community as a whole.

Lastly, as a city, we have a responsibility to lead by example. We are proud of the progress we’ve made, and hope our efforts can inspire other cities across the country to do the same. Homelessness is a complex issue, but it is not an unsolvable one. With the right policies and a commitment to sustained action, we can make a real difference.

Louise – What do you think is the single most important change that is needed to end homelessness in Pula (or Croatia)?

Filip Zoričić At its core, homelessness is a lack of a home. The single most important change needed to end homelessness is the creation and implementation of a comprehensive national housing strategy, focused on increasing the supply of affordable housing, particularly long-term rental options, and introducing stronger rent controls and tenant protections. Ensuring access to stable, affordable housing is the foundation upon which we can build successful interventions for homelessness.

In addition to addressing the housing supply, the strategy must prioritise preventive measures. We need to create a safety net that prevents people from becoming homeless in the first place by supporting vulnerable groups through social services, mental health care, and employment opportunities. Homelessness is often a symptom of broader societal issues, and by tackling these root causes, we can prevent more people from falling into homelessness.

By combining increased affordable housing options with preventive social policies, we can create an environment where homelessness becomes rare and, when it does occur, brief and non-recurring. It will take coordinated action between the national government, local municipalities, NGOs, and the private sector, but with the right strategy in place, I believe we can make homelessness a thing of the past.

Louise – We know that through your department at the City of Pula that you have supported AjA to develop and deliver Housing First provision – the very first of its kind in Croatia. How has the City worked with AjA to have such a positive impact on homelessness?

Filip Zoričić Since I became Mayor three years ago, alongside Ivana Sokolov, the head of the Department of Social Services, Youth, and Sports, we have prioritised collaboration with local partners to address homelessness. Our approach has always been to listen closely to the needs on the ground and work with experts to find sustainable solutions. When we recognised the potential of the Housing First model to transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our community, we knew it was something we had to support.

The City of Pula has provided direct financial support to What About Me, the NGO spearheading the Housing First program. We understood that in order to make this initiative a success, it was crucial to allocate part of our budget specifically for this purpose. We also worked closely with them to ensure they had the resources and infrastructure needed to deliver this innovative program.

Beyond financial support, the City has played a key role in advocating for the Housing First model, raising awareness within the community and creating a network of support. By bringing other local organisations, public services, and private stakeholders to the table, we have built a collaborative framework that strengthens the programme’s impact. This holistic approach ensures that individuals not only receive housing but also have access to the social and health services they need to stabilise their lives.

Together with our partners, we believe that Housing First is a vital step toward reducing homelessness in Pula and creating a city where everyone has the opportunity to live in dignity.

Louise – Does the Municipality believe its approach to Housing First could influence other cities in Croatia? Or in CEE more widely?

Filip Zoričić Absolutely. We believe that Pula’s implementation of the Housing First model can serve as a valuable example for other cities in Croatia and throughout Central and Eastern Europe. As the first city in Croatia to adopt this approach, we recognise the importance of sharing our experiences and outcomes with others facing similar challenges.

Our success with the Housing First programme demonstrates that effective collaboration between local government, NGOs, and community stakeholders is essential for addressing homelessness. By showcasing the positive impact of our initiatives, we hope to inspire other municipalities to explore similar models and adapt them to their own contexts.

The lessons learned from our programme can provide insights into the best practices for implementing Housing First in different environments. We are already engaged in discussions with other cities in Croatia about our experiences, and we plan to host workshops and information sessions to facilitate knowledge exchange.

On a broader scale, the challenges of homelessness are not unique to Pula or even Croatia; they are issues faced by many cities in the CEE region. By leading the way in this innovative approach, we aim to influence policies and practices beyond our borders. We believe that our commitment to the Housing First model can contribute to a regional dialogue about effective strategies for homelessness prevention and support.

Louise – We know we can’t solve homelessness overnight, but your city is taking crucial steps towards that goal. What would you see as a successful outcome in 3 years’ time?  

Filip Zoričić In three years, a successful outcome for Pula would be characterised by a reduction in homelessness and the establishment of a support system that empowers individuals to maintain stable housing. Specifically, I envisage several key achievements:

  1. Homelessness Count in Pula: One of our goals is to conduct a comprehensive homelessness count. This will provide us with accurate data on the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in our city, allowing us to better understand the scope of the issue and tailor our services accordingly. Having concrete numbers will enable us to measure our progress and ensure that our interventions are effective.
  2. Collaborative Partnerships: A successful outcome would also involve strengthening our collaborations with local NGOs, community organisations, and private sector partners. By creating a network of support, we can ensure that resources are efficiently utilised and that individuals have multiple avenues for assistance.
  3. Awareness and Education: We aim to foster a greater understanding of homelessness within our community, reducing stigma and promoting empathy. This includes increasing public awareness about the issues surrounding homelessness and the importance of supportive policies.
  4. Influencing Policy Changes: Finally, I would like to see our success in Pula influence national housing policy reforms. By demonstrating the effectiveness of the Housing First model, we can advocate for systemic changes that prioritise affordable housing and homelessness prevention across Croatia.

Ultimately, our vision is to create a city where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. While we know we cannot solve this issue overnight, I am confident that with continued commitment and collaborative efforts, we can achieve meaningful progress in just three years.

Louise – Are there any other cities or countries in Europe that have approaches to ending homelessness that inspire you?

Filip Zoričić One of our first encounters with the Housing First approach was with the NGO Crescer from Lisbon, Portugal. They are running a very successful programme that has effectively addressed homelessness in a context similar to ours. Similarly, staff from the NGO What About Me visited Bologna, Italy, to learn from their successful Housing First model. Like Pula, Lisbon and Bologna face challenges related to tourism and a lack of affordable housing. However, they have found innovative solutions to these issues, and we were fortunate to have those knowledge exchanges with them. Their experiences have inspired us to think creatively and foster a culture of learning and collaboration, creating a more inclusive approach to ending homelessness in our cities.

Louise – What one message would you give to other Mayors who would like to end homelessness in their cities?

Filip Zoričić Don’t wait for the perfect solution—start with what you have and be willing to collaborate. Ending homelessness is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, but it begins with recognising the humanity of those affected and committing to action.

Embrace innovative models like Housing First and Housing Led, which prioritises providing stable housing before addressing other challenges. Partner with local NGOs, community organizations, and the private sector to leverage resources and expertise. Listen to the needs of your community and be open to adapting your strategies based on what works and what doesn’t.

Every city has its unique challenges and resources, but by fostering collaboration and showing genuine commitment to change, you can make significant strides in reducing homelessness. Remember, progress may be incremental, but every step forward is a step toward a more inclusive and compassionate city. Let us all work together to create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

 

 

 


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