A significant milestone has been reached at DEDO Foundation and All for family (VPR) – the Integrated Health and Social Care Centre (HUB) has officially opened in Košice. The HUB brings together healthcare, psychological support, social, legal, and employment services, as well as housing counselling, all under one roof – FREE OF CHARGE, FREE OF JUDGEMENT, FOR EVERYONE.
This step represents the SOLACE-CEE vision in action: providing comprehensive and coordinated support for vulnerable groups, free of charge, without judgment, and for everyone in need.
A dream that became reality
The idea for the Centre dates back to 2017, when Alena Vachnová, Chair of the Board of Nadácia DEDO, had the opportunity to observe integrated support in practice during a study visit at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP). “In Boston, I gained a deep understanding of the complex needs of people experiencing homelessness – and what it really takes to help them effectively,” she recalls. “Something fundamental shifted in me there: it suddenly became clear not only what was needed, but also how it could actually work.”
Since October last year, as part of the SOLACE-CEE project, work has been underway to turn this vision into reality. The project aims to transform the way care is provided to vulnerable groups, and the Košice Centre is one of the pillars of this change. It is here for everyone.
Why integrated care is crucial
People experiencing homelessness often face intertwined health, social, and economic challenges. Separate services cannot address these complex needs effectively. An integrated approach allows for coordinated and continuous support, connecting healthcare, housing, and employment services to meet multiple needs simultaneously.
Services offered at the HUB
The HUB in Košice provides support in the following areas:
- Healthcare: general practitioner and referral to specialists
- Psychological support
- Social counselling
- Employment support using the IPS (Individual Placement and Support) approach
- Legal advice
- Housing support based on the Housing First approach
The HUB does not limit its work to its premises – the team can also reach clients on the streets or in shelters to ensure support is available wherever it is needed most.
Who can access the HUB
Services are available to everyone who needs support – whether it is for healthcare, psychological help, legal or employment advice, or housing assistance. The HUB provides care with respect, understanding, and dignity.