- In Sweden, we have worked for quite a few years for sobriety and drug freedom to qualify for the housing market, says Kaj Hägerström, housing coordinator in Norrköping municipality.
The new way of working is thus that the home should become a tool in the work with homeless people.
The idea is that once a home is available, it will be easier to work with the mental problems or substance abuse problems that often exist in the background.
- It is not thought that you are so shitty that you only have to move into an apartment and then you have to fend for yourself.
It starts with housing in order to have any basis to work from at all, says Kaj Hägerström.
First, the municipality will be on the lease, but whoever takes care of himself will eventually be able to take over the contract.
- I also understand that many people may be funky because you think that only a home is offered, but that is not the case, says Kaj Hägerström.
Focus on caring
The municipality will also work with other initiatives.
It can be about support to actually pay the rent, and it can be about different forms of treatments, depending on what problems the person has.
However, there are requirements.
- There will be a very large focus on taking care of and following the tenancy law.
That you pay your rent, do not disturb any neighbors and take care of your apartment, says Kaj Hägerström.
Anyone who does not take care of themselves will lose the apartment.