How can developers, architects and NGOs create sustainable cities? What is the current housing situation in Poland? Housing, spatial and social policies, financing of affordable housing, as well as possibilities for adaptation of public vacant lots were discussed at this year's Housing Forum organized by the Habitat for Humanity Poland Foundation for the ninth time.
The motto of the forum was "Sustainable Housing." For two days, the invited guests discussed the possibilities of using existing resources and tools in meeting housing needs in Poland. An extremely important topic, as it is still one of the most serious challenges in our country - further intensified in recent years, when our homes have turned from places of rest into spaces for work and study or shelter for refugees.
For years, the Habitat for Humanity Poland Foundation has not only been on the front lines and supporting those struggling, but has also been working out systemic solutions to improve the housing situation. And the situation is indeed very difficult. The events of the last two years: the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the escalation of the war in Ukraine, the looming energy crisis have strongly affected the topic of housing," explains Katarzyna Przybylska, Advocacy Director of the Habitat for Humanity Poland Foundation.
These challenges translated into the meeting's program. The first day of the forum discussed, among other things, how the housing situation in Poland has changed after February 24, 2022, the day of Russia's attack on Ukraine, as a result of which, according to reports, about a third of people were forced to leave their homes. They pondered the future of social rental agencies, efforts to mediate between rental housing owners and people whose situation makes it impossible to rent at market prices, and posed the question of how to finance affordable housing.
The housing situation in Poland after February 24, 2022
Discussed by: Agnieszka Ścigaj (Minister in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister), Kevin Allen (Representative of the High Commissioner for Refugees in Poland), Monika Korowajczyk-Sujkowska (Program Coordinator, International Organization for Migration), Myroslava Keryk (CEO, Our Choice Foundation) and Marek Goluch (Director of the Office of Housing Policy of the Warsaw City Hall).
On the second day, the topic of adaptation of public vacant lots for accessible housing was discussed, among other things, what a sustainable city actually is and how the Sustainable Development Goals - graphically depicted on thethe event's poster, actions to reduce poverty, strive for gender equality, ensure access to education, food, clean water and energy, peace or environmental protection, among others. There was also a discussion of innovation and inspiration for accessible housing and the idea of the Closed Circuit Economy vis-à-vis the design of housing developments.
The impact of the Sustainable Development Goals on urban development.
How can developers, architects and NGOs create sustainable cities for the benefit of people and the environment?
Interviewed by: Monika Perekitko (Board Member, Matexi), Kacper Kępinski ("Architecture & Business") and Mateusz Piegza (Branch Manager, Gliwice Branch, Habitat for Humanity Poland Foundation)
Recordings of the entire Housing Forum 2022 can be seen and listened to here.
