The city of Turin has introduced a new program aimed at helping refugees secure stable housing and strengthen their long-term integration. The initiative, called “AbitaTo”, is part of the city’s wider strategy to improve inclusion and access to essential services for people with international protection.
What Is the AbitaTo Project?
AbitaTo is a 24-month housing support program designed for refugees who left the Reception and Integration System (SAI) within the past year and are now struggling to find suitable accommodation. Many refugees face financial, administrative, and cultural barriers that make it difficult to rent a home, even when they are already employed or pursuing integration pathways.
With targeted assistance and professional support, AbitaTo aims to help refugees achieve housing stability and independence.
How Is the Project Funded?
The program is supported by over €980,000 in funding through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021–2027, coordinated by Italy’s Ministry of the Interior and co-financed by the European Union.
The project will be carried out with the help of local organizations experienced in reception, mediation, and social inclusion.
Key Services Offered Under AbitaTo
The initiative includes several areas of intervention:
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Strengthened information, guidance, and support services
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Dedicated access points linked with the SAI network
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Housing solutions supported through rent contributions and mediation
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Assistance in signing rental contracts
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Individual financial-literacy and housing-autonomy training
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Activities that connect refugees with local communities
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Public awareness campaigns to counter stereotypes
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Training programs for institutions, citizens, and property owners
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A shared database to map housing opportunities and match supply with demand
These services aim to address both the practical and social challenges refugees face in finding a home.
Why the Project Matters
According to Jacopo Rosatelli, Turin’s Councilor for Social Policies, housing is central to social integration.
He explained that stable accommodation is not just about having a place to live—it is about building relationships, accessing services, maintaining employment, and participating actively in the community.
Rosatelli stated that AbitaTo is “a key part of Turin’s Housing Plan,” which focuses on creating an inclusive and sustainable city. Achieving this goal requires cooperation between institutions, civil society, landlords, and residents.
Conclusion
Turin’s AbitaTo initiative represents a significant step in improving housing access and long-term inclusion for refugees in Italy. By addressing practical obstacles and supporting autonomy, the program aims to help refugees secure dignified, stable, and affordable housing—laying the foundation for stronger integration and community participation.
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