Bratislava expands support for affordable housing and education for disadvantaged children

Bratislava’s Municipal Rental Agency (MNA) is expanding its services to support more families and individuals in need of stable housing. In addition to facilitating access to affordable rentals, the agency has introduced a tutoring program for children from single-parent and socially disadvantaged families, in collaboration with the Bratislava Volunteer Centre (BDC).

The MNA, operating under the Bratislava Housing Organization, provides housing solutions for families struggling with high rental costs while offering benefits to landlords who participate in the program. Since its launch, the initiative has helped secure stable housing for 23 families, benefiting 82 individuals, including 42 children.

Beyond securing accommodation, the agency offers social support through a dedicated team of social workers from the city’s Social Affairs Section. These professionals conduct home visits and assist families in navigating various challenges. Many MNA clients are low-income families or single mothers for whom private rental prices in Bratislava are unaffordable, even with stable employment.

For families transitioning from temporary accommodations such as shelters to permanent housing, having a home represents a major milestone. Children, in particular, benefit from having their own space for the first time, which supports their personal development and education. Recognizing the importance of academic support during such transitions, MNA has partnered with BDC to provide tutoring for children in its housing program.

BDC has been running educational programs for children in crisis centers and low-threshold facilities for nine years. Volunteers assist children with homework, explain school subjects, and provide emotional support. This school year, 55 children from city-run crisis facilities and protected housing have participated in the “I Am Here for You” program. A new component has been introduced to promote learning through social games, enhancing the children’s engagement and skill development.

The program has also adapted to accommodate children with autism spectrum disorders, offering individualized tutoring to meet their specific needs. The long-term goal of this initiative is to foster trust between children and adult mentors, provide educational stability, and create an environment where children feel accepted and supported.

The collaboration between MNA and BDC is set to continue indefinitely under a memorandum of cooperation, reinforcing Bratislava’s commitment to addressing social inequality and improving the quality of life for vulnerable families in the city.

Source: Capital city of Slovakia Bratislava