Community reuse centres for environmental sustainability and urban integration
Challenge
Meeting basic household needs is unaffordable for many refugees in Slovakia, while initiatives and infrastructure to enable reuse and repurposing of items in urban areas are lacking or insufficient. Existing circular economy opportunities are not fully inclusive of refugees, limiting avenues to enhance their socioeconomic inclusion.
Solution
Codeveloping an integrated model of community reuse centres (CRCs) – community hubs where refugees and locals meet for activities including recycling, DIY repair workshops, community gardening, and more. The CRCs will leverage circular and social economies to address environmental challenges and enhance social cohesion.
Impact
Ways to support and manage CRCs are developed and tested in selected urban areas across Slovakia to improve refugee inclusion and community environmental sustainability. Evidence and lessons from this pilot support the establishment of centres in additional settings, increasing accessibility.