Nevo Parudimos Association, in partnership with the Reșița Municipality, was a key actor in a complex and ambitious project that led to the complete closure of the Mociur neighborhood ghetto and the relocation of the 157 families who lived there. This initiative represents a remarkable example of collaboration between public authorities and civil society, demonstrating that through involvement and an integrated approach, deep-rooted social problems can be successfully resolved.
Context
The Mociur community in Reșița had long been a symbol of social exclusion. Approximately 580 people lived in two apartment buildings in an advanced state of decay. The living conditions were extremely precarious: the sewage system was broken, the roofs were in very poor shape, and many families lacked legal rental contracts or electricity , resorting to makeshift solutions. The area was perceived in the local media as the most infamous in the city, a fact that fueled numerous stereotypes and prejudices against its inhabitants.
Project goal
The main objective was the radical improvement of living conditions for the inhabitants of the marginalized Mociur area by closing the ghetto and relocating the families to various neighborhoods throughout the city. The project aimed not only to provide decent housing but also to facilitate genuine social inclusion, breaking the cycle of marginalization. The endeavor was also accelerated by the municipality’s urban development plans, which included the construction of a mall and residential areas near the ghetto.
Partners and involvement
The success of this initiative was made possible by a solid partnership and an extended task force, which included:
- Reșița Municipality: Took the leading role, directly involving the Social Assistance Department, the Heritage Department, the EU Projects Department, and other relevant departments.
- Civil society: Nevo Parudimos Association, along with the Humanitas Pro Deo Association, played an essential role as a partner, watchdog, and service provider, bringing expertise and ensuring the connection with the community.
- Community members: The residents of Mociur were involved in all stages of the process, from planning and decision-making to implementation, ensuring that the solutions met their real needs.
Implementation period
The detailed planning of the initiative began in 2019 with an in-depth community analysis and the establishment of the working framework. The effective implementation of the project took place between 2020 and 2024.
Activities and methodology
The project was carried out over several years, based on a flexible and integrated methodology centered on the needs of each family:
- Analysis and planning: The process began with a thorough social analysis of each family to build a relationship of trust and understand their specific situation.
- Diversified housing solutions: To avoid creating a new segregated area, families were relocated throughout the city using social housing, youth housing (ANL), or homes purchased by the municipality from the open market. A portion of the families returned to one of the Mociur buildings, which was completely renovated and modernized.
- Integrated support services: The project went beyond simply providing a home. The services offered included:
- Employment counseling: Families were supported to obtain and maintain stable employment.
- Support for debt payment: Solutions were found for families with local budget debts, including offsetting the debts with community service work.
- Financial education: Nevo Parudimos Association implemented financial education programs to help families manage new living costs.
- Community mediation: Meetings and activities were organized to promote tolerance and understanding between the newcomers and the long-term residents of the neighborhoods.
- Post-relocation monitoring and support: A social worker periodically monitored the utility payment status, the employment situation of family members, and the children’s school attendance to prevent situations where, due to lack of employment or other causes, utilities were not paid or children did not attend school.
- Social innovation: Nevo Parudimos established a social insertion enterprise, SC Nevo Parudimos Servicii SRL, which employed people from the community to renovate 42 social houses. Often, they renovated their own future homes, which increased their self-esteem and sense of ownership. To be able to participate in contracts with the municipality, the association donated €10,000 to the city hall, requesting that it be used to renovate two social housing units to gain experience in the field. The community workers volunteered their labor for this endeavor. Following an inspection by the municipality’s commission, the quality of the work was deemed to meet the accepted standards for public works.
Results
The project’s impact was transformative for both the community and the city:
- 157 families (580 people) completely changed their lives, now having decent living conditions, utilities, legal contracts, and the security of a home.
- The most infamous neighborhood in Reșița was completely transformed, and the area’s image changed radically.
- Social and labor market integration was a success, with most families having at least one employed member and receiving constant monitoring to prevent difficulties.
- The project became a model of good practice at national and European levels, being studied by delegations from other Romanian cities like Baia Mare, Brașov, and Cluj-Napoca, interested in replicating the model. At the European level, the project was presented in the transnational thematic report created within the Roma Civil Monitor (RCM) 2021-2025 initiative, titled “Examples of successful housing desegregation as a precondition of Roma integration”. Additionally, the initiative was mentioned in the publication “Social housing and beyond,” drafted by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
Project funding
The total budget for the intervention came from diverse sources, demonstrating an exemplary mobilization of resources:
- The local budget of the Reșița Municipality: €300,000 for refurbishments and €500,000 for purchasing homes.
- The Reșița Local Action Group (LAG): €1 million for the renovation of the Mociur apartment building and additional funds for education, employment, and social entrepreneurship projects.
- Partner contributions: The NGOs contributed their own resources for project management and community activities. The Nevo Parudimos Association donated €10,000 for the renovation of the first apartments.
