For people living on the streets of Sweden, the risk of exploitation, poor health, and hate crimes is very real.  These risks are particularly pressing if individuals are from another country or culture.

Supported through the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD), the Pentru Tine - För Dig (‘For you’) project gave marginalized people vital information and support they needed to find their way out from material deprivation and social isolation.

Coming to Sweden all the way from the Balkans, Alexandra understood the risks of that came with homelessness.  She felt isolated and did not know who to turn to, but after connecting with the project teams on the streets of Stockholm, she felt reassured by the discovery that there was someone she could turn to for guidance. The staff from Pentru Tine knew the language and culture of her country, and were  experienced in social work.  Alexandra felt comfortable talking to them, and discovered information that was vital to helping her improve her situation.  Alexandra was particularly grateful for the support she received from Pentru Tine in helping her to access relevant medical care.

‘I'm happy because I know there is someone to talk to, inform and help me if I have a problem,’ she said.

With the involvement of the local City Missions – which represent a national network – Pentru Tine/För Dig (For you) reached out to 1 600 people like Alexandra across the four Swedish cities of Stockholm, Uppsala, Linköping, and Eskilstuna.  By ensuring individuals knew their social rights and obligations, and providing them with health information (mental, physical and sexual health), the project was able to improve the situations of the significant majority of participants.  99% of those who received help stated they benefitted from the information they were given, while 98% felt more empowered – and better able to take care of their health and hygiene.