Thousands of Ukrainians in Poland may be left without housing.
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From July 1, new rules for supporting Ukrainian refugees came into effect in Poland. The state will no longer finance accommodation for the majority of Ukrainian citizens in collective accommodation centers (OZZ). This may put thousands of people in a difficult situation, and human rights advocates warn of the risk of homelessness.
This was reported by TVN24.
Who will lose the right to free accommodation
The changes represent another phase in the gradual phasing out of special assistance for Ukrainians who arrived in Poland due to the full-scale war.
From now on, free accommodation in collective accommodation centers will no longer be funded for most of its residents. This primarily affects mothers with children over one year old and the elderly who receive a Polish pension, even if the amount is only a few hundred or tens of zlotys.
According to the estimates of the heads of accommodation centers, the new rules could affect about 40% of current residents. Single mothers with children will be most affected.
Who will retain the right to assistance
Free accommodation will continue to be guaranteed to:
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people with disabilities;
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pregnant women;
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pensioners who do not receive a Polish pension and have no family in Poland;
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other categories of citizens classified by Polish law as the most vulnerable.
At the same time, contradictory situations have arisen. For example, a pregnant Ukrainian woman expecting her seventh child retains the right to free accommodation, while the state will no longer pay for the stay of her six children.
Human rights advocates warn of the risk of homelessness
The head of a collective accommodation center in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Joanna Jesis-Polewska, stated that after the changes, those who need help the most may be left without it.
In turn, the Ombudsman of Poland, Marcin Wiącek, appealed to the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, emphasizing that restricting access to centers could worsen the living conditions of Ukrainian refugees and increase the risk of homelessness.
Representatives of charitable organizations also warn that some people may simply not have the funds to rent housing due to the new rules.
What the Polish government responds
The Polish Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, assured that individuals from vulnerable categories will continue to receive free accommodation in centers.
According to her, the government has already provided voivodes with recommendations on supporting families who may face difficulties due to the new rules. If necessary, they will be able to receive special social benefits from local government bodies.
The ministry has prepared legislative changes that are intended to systematically regulate the issue of children’s accommodation in collective accommodation centers.
Meanwhile, fundraising is ongoing in Poland for Ukrainians who lost the right to free medical care after previous stages of aid reduction. Charities note that the greatest support is needed by seriously ill people and families who cannot provide for themselves due to difficult life circumstances.
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