Italy: First migrant lodging projects launched in the region of Puglia

Rome: The region of Puglia decided to use the funds of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) to finance four projects in four municipalities to improve the living conditions of migrants.

The region of Puglia decided to intervene in four projects to improve the living conditions of migrants with funds coming from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

The aim is to reduce the risk of exploitation of migrants and the infiltration of criminal organizations.

The projects of the four municipalities cover approximately 304 sleeping arrangements, for a total investment of nearly 10 million euros.

In Bisceglie, with 2.1 million euros, a monastery of the Capuchin friars will be refurbished to accommodate 14 beds and common areas for community life and basic services.

In Brindisi, in the Restinco area, two buildings were identified to be restructured and offer dignified accommodation to 80 persons. The project’s total costs run over 2.1 million euros.

In the historic center of Carpino, through a loan for use with private facilities, the solution will be housing units used as co-housing. The lodging will also have common spaces for social activities, training, and cultural activities, for a total investment of over 4.5 million euros to shelter up to 200 persons.

In Carapelle, a historic building owned by Parishes will host ten persons, and it will be made accessible for individuals with disabilities. It will also have photovoltaic systems for energy self-sufficiency. The project, on a smaller scale, foresees an investment of approximately 1.1 million euros.

“The resources of the PNRR are key to rewrite the history of the territories that are concerned by the presence of seasonal migrants, and especially to change the living conditions of persons who to this day contribute creating wealth for our region, but who live in situations that are not dignified,” stated the Councillor for Migration Policies of the Region of Puglia, Viviana Matrangola.

“The launch of the first four projects represents an encouraging sign moving toward the achievement of more ambitious projects, in particular in Capitanata, and therefore in Manfredonia with Borgo Mezzanone, in San Severo, and Cerignola. We hope that positive signs will also be achieved for an extension of the PNRR deadlines, which are currently fixed for June 2026,” she concluded.