Preventing human trafficking and exploitation of at-risk young people
in Southeast Europe
How Houses of Opportunity work
At its simplest level, the Programme provides three things:
Somewhere safe to stay Good people to be with Something useful to do
The House of Opportunity is a residential training programme that equips vulnerable young people with the skills they need to live successful, independent lives through:
House parents that provide each of our residents with individual care and support in a small, family style home.
Training in healthcare, cooking, budgeting and IT – enabling residents to learn essential life skills.
Education support. A completed basic education is vital for finding employment and building a secure future.
Providing House residents with training, work experience and jobs through local employers and social enterprises.
You can find out more about how Houses of Opportunity work here.
House of Opportunity in numbers
More numbers and statistics from Houses of Opportunity
Stories from our Houses of Opportunity
Krasi’s story
Abandoned into care and left to find his own way in life with no guidance, Krasi’s childhood was tough. He could have ended up on the street, struggling to survive and at high risk of being exploited, shut off from the possibility of a normal life. Here he tells the story of how the House of Opportunity Programme changed his life.
Most state care leavers have no money, little education, no family and no idea about life outside an institution. With few options, many fall into crime and prostitution or become victims of human traffickers.
What’s next for our Houses of Opportunity?
We would love to expend the programme in Southeast Europe. Here are some base costs.
There are currently 10 Houses of Opportunity in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova and Serbia. There are also plans to develop HOPs with our partners in Macedonia and Greece (where the programme may be adapted for helping unaccompanied young refugees). Each House of Opportunity costs between €27,500 and €40,000 a year to run, depending upon which country and city it is based.
Sofia typical costs (monthly)
Rent: rent-free agreement*
Staff salaries: €1,350
Food for residents: €375 (5 residents)
Utilities: €250
Serbia typical costs (monthly)
Rent: €320
Staff salaries: €1,950
Food for residents: €500 (5 residents)
Utilities: €300
*We seek rent-free apartments from municipal authorities wherever we operate, but where the need is great and we have good partners we will rent suitable property.
Will you consider supporting the House of Opportunity Programme?
House of Opportunity Funding Partners
We are grateful to receive support for the House of Opportunity Programme from:
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Would your organisation support the House of Opportunity and help to prevent modern slavery?
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Would you partner with us to help provide brighter futures for vulnerable young people?