EDP supported the project "Sharing a Home, Sharing Life", which aims to combat loneliness among the elderly and guarantee housing for people or families in situations of social vulnerability.
Mutually beneficial coexistence
EDP funded the "Sharing a Home, Sharing Life" project, part of the "Together Step by Step" Program, which aims to combat loneliness and social isolation of the elderly and, simultaneously, facilitate access to housing for people or families in situations of social vulnerability, with difficulties in obtaining and maintaining a home independently.
The project, which started in February 2023, is aimed at people over 65 who are autonomous and able to stay in their usual environment or have access to public or private services needed to do so, even though they may have some limitations in performing daily tasks.
Project Objectives
1. Reduce loneliness among the elderly
- Promote social interaction and participation of the elderly
- Identify and address barriers that hinder accessibility and autonomy
- Guarantee accompaniment in daily tasks
2. Make housing available
- Ensure access to housing for families without a stable residence
- Ensure stability for families as the basis of their life project
- Create opportunities for new ways of living together
- Promote solidarity as a differential value of the project
3. Mutual benefits
- Delay the institutionalization of the elderly
- Share the costs related to housing
- Create new synergies and experiences
- Promote emotional support
Functioning
The Diversitas Foundation selected the families that were the best fit for the people hosted, based on the size of the housing and possible cohabitation.
This was followed by the conclusion of a cohabitation agreement for one month. During this period, both parties can decide whether to continue with the cohabitation or not. The agreement defines the duration, the rules for ensuring coexistence, the decisions agreed upon by both parties for the development of coexistence, and the commitments made to Diversitas Foundation.
Fundação Diversitas will closely monitor all participants from the beginning of the process.
