The Centre for Re-socialization of Homeless People was created with the assistance of Ukrainian and Austrian experts and is based on the best practices and principals of work with the homeless in EU countries (Austria) taking into account the specific social and economical realities in Ukraine and adapted in terms of a small city or town.

The notion of a “homeless person” includes different groups of people depending on the reasons for homelessness and loss of housing.  Therefore, the modern world policy of social programs and services has many different approaches to solving the problem of homelessness.  

These different approaches analyzed and modified to be applicable to the social and economic situation in Ukraine.  These modifications were based on the following factors:

·         The number of Ukrainian organizations and structures that provide services to the homeless is limited;

·         The financing of this kind of social work is limited in Ukraine.

The basic principles of these different approaches were maintained during the creation of the Ukrainian approach to providing services for the homeless, but were modified to be consistent with local realities. A complex set of social and healthcare services are provided to homeless people taking into consideration the different approaches to solving the homelessness problem.

As a result, a four-step approach to the work with the homeless was designed:

1.       Street work – the services provided to homeless people (our clients) in their usual environment.

2.       Initial Centre Services – clients may use such services as free lodging, one meal a day, clothes, and medical consultation.  This period lasts for 10 - 14 days at which point the client must make a formal commitment to abide by the rules of our Centre and to go through the steps of the re-socialization process. 

3.       Advanced Centre Services – clients who have signed an agreement that clarifies their obligations and their rights receive additional services that include legal assistance, psychological consultations, and job search assistance.  Clients at this stage take on more responsibilities

4.       Pre-Rehabilitation – during this period our clients are given even more services and must live more independently.  Social workers are available as advisors to clients providing support as the clients maintain employment, manage their own income, and make their own purchases.  At this stage clients are expected to demonstrate consistently responsible behaviors.

Each client is assigned to a social worker who is available to the client as an advisor and guidance counselor throughout all stages.  In addition, social workers identify those who are at risk for becoming homeless and provide them with informational support and legal assistance.