STOPA operates in a challenging environment where homelessness is not legally defined, affordable housing is scarce and societal prejudice against people experiencing homelessness is widespread. The national government’s approach to homelessness has created a reliance on underfunded and overcrowded shelters which does not help to improve the problem. 

Founded in 2015, STOPA is the only organisation in Slovakia dedicated to housing-led approaches to homelessness. The organisation aims to prevent long-term homelessness through outreach and early intervention, deliver specialised services to vulnerable people, increase the availability of homes, and challenge negative public perceptions. 

STOPA is held in high regard by local partners for its values, transparency and apolitical stance. International partnerships and knowledge-exchange are a core element of the organisation’s approach. It has taken opportunities to learn from others, to recognise and implement leading practice from other countries, to innovate and adapt solutions for its own context. By developing its network, STOPA has been invited to participate in European campaigns, study trips and attend international conferences. The learnings from each exchange are fed back into the overall strategy.  

Its services respond to a wide range of challenges and forms of homelessness, including those who are at immediate risk or have recently become homeless, short-term rough sleepers, and ex-prisoners. 

The Crossroads project provides daily wraparound social support in addition to permanent housing for residents that are deeply vulnerable with complex needs.  Residents are surrounded by support services and live in solidarity with each other to help with their recovery. 

Their Housing First work also provides permanent housing (flats are bought by a bank and rented to STOPA at non-market price on one-year leases) in a more independent set up – where the people it supports live in residential blocks and receive monthly welfare checks. 

The organisation has successfully implemented a Housing-First model, with the hard-won support of the municipality of Bratislava. It also partners with other specialist Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to provide comprehensive support services, including mental health care and employment assistance. 

Client participation is central to STOPA’s work, an aspect that differs to mainstream top-down approaches. Clients and residents are consulted on the services offered, as well as day-to-day details relating to work and housing.  

Social impact 

STOPA has supported almost 1000 individuals across its range of services, with employment and volunteering opportunities, housing provision, mental health, and shared solidarity spaces. STOPA Solidarity Café is a community hub located in Bratislava’s city centre next to government buildings. Through the café, clients are given employment and training opportunities and can challenge misconceptions and prejudices by interacting with members of the public. The cafe brings homelessness out of the shadows and into the public domain. 

Over 350 individuals experiencing homelessness have benefitted from STOPA’s essential services, from housing assistance to mental health support. Occupational therapy, including urban gardening and community projects, has given clients the chance to feel a sense of purpose and belonging, while also benefiting the wider community. 

STOPA was also amongst the first to help Ukrainian and Syrians refugees fleeing the war, (mainly providing women and children on their way to west countries with temporary housing support) showing how it’s committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive society. It provided immediate support to 395 refugees, including 113 mothers and 195 children, through shelter, childcare and integration services. Focused on the long-term, STOPA found refugees jobs, schools for their children, and Slovak language programmes so they could build a secure, independent life for themselves.   

Environmental impact 

STOPA’s work benefits the environment through its gardening and biodiversity projects, rainwater harvesting and organic practices. Garden produce is used in the cafe, waste is recycled or composted, and furniture and goods are second hand where possible. These efforts contribute to a greener, healthier community and mitigate the intense heat in Bratislava. 

Funding 

STOPA relies on a diverse mix of government funding, grants, corporate sponsorship and private donations. The housing first homes are rented to STOPA by private companies and relies on the same mix of funding but has also secured a few 1-year leases provided by the municipality at a reduced market rate and via a social program for Housing First led by a regular banking institution.  

The Crossroad project has been funded for 10 years by one private donor. 

However, the organisation still faces potential challenges due to proposed changes to NGO funding regulations but continues to seek new income streams and remains committed to its mission. 

Transfer and expansion 

Through its extensive network, STOPA has already shared its experience and lessons with other organisations and countries facing similar challenges. The organisation’s plans for expansion include increasing housing capacity, enhancing psychological support services, and implementing more sustainable environmental initiatives. 

Why it’s a World Habitat Award Winner 

STOPA’s impact is measurable through the numbers of people homed and their increased housing stability, the improved mental and physical health among clients, and positive shifts in public perception, despite a challenging policy environment. The project demonstrates how approaches that are based on evidence, can be adapted and applied imaginatively to advance housing rights. STOPA’s housing-led approach offers a rare and inspiring model for organisations in similar situations. The organisation embodies knowledge-sharing and transfer of best practices to achieve local impact, which are core values of the World Habitat Awards.  

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