Housing for refugees reveals weaknesses of the entire system. The conference will present pathways to solutions.

Problems of refugees as a mirror of broader systemic failures

The EU has extended the validity of temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine until March 4, 2027, ensuring legal continuity but not certainty for everyday life. In the Czech Republic, approximately 380,000 people currently have refugee status, with the majority still seeking stable and affordable housing. According to the latest Eurostat data, the Czech Republic is among the 5 EU countries with the fastest growth in rental prices between 2023-2025. In Prague and other major cities, the average rent exceeds the typical monthly income of many refugee families. Beginning in January 2026, the Housing Support Act will come into effect, introducing housing contact points, support measures, and a mechanism for guaranteed rent. However, it remains uncertain whether this new system will apply to refugees. "These people still remain outside the scope of support. The state creates a significant barrier for them, even though they belong to the most vulnerable groups," comments Šárka Šilhanová, head of the foreign and humanitarian aid department at the Romodrom organization, on the limitations of the new Housing Support Act. The conference is based on the finding that the obstacles refugees face in finding housing are not exceptional but rather highlight structural problems affecting the entire Czech society. According to a joint assessment by UNHCR and IOM from 2024, the main barriers include: Financial inaccessibility: 86% of Ukrainian refugees living in collective accommodation cite lack of finances as a key obstacle to transitioning to standard rent. High entry costs (deposit, first rent, equipment) are unattainable even for those who work, many of whom are employed below their qualifications in precarious conditions. Unsaturated rental market: In Prague, Brno, Pilsen, and other cities, refugees face dozens of competitors for every available apartment. Landlords' reluctance towards foreigners, language barriers, and lower knowledge of rental law reduce their chances of success. Institutional chaos: Unclear division of roles between ministries, lack of methodological guidance, and delayed or conflicting information complicate navigation in the support system.

Uncertain legal and financial support: Limiting humanitarian aid without a corresponding alternative in the public system increases the risk of debt, homelessness, and social exclusion, especially among vulnerable groups - single parents, seniors, and people with disabilities.

What you will learn at the conference From Temporary Protection to Permanent Home

The program is divided into four thematic blocks:

• BLOCK 1, System, Data, and Current Reality (9:30–10:15): Experts from the Czech Academy of Sciences, IOM, and the Platform for Social Housing will present the systemic causes of the problem and show who is "falling through the cracks" of public support.
• BLOCK 2, Czech Current Practice (10:25–11:45): A moderated discussion with representatives from Romodrom, the City of Prague Municipality, the Liberec Housing Center, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Regional Development will present specific cases and obstacles in practice.
• BLOCK 3, Models of Cooperation and Inspiration from Abroad (12:15–13:45): Foreign guests from Spain (Asociación Realidades), Finland (Y-Foundation), and Italy (Rondo Carità e Solidarietà Milano ODV) will present functional approaches to integrating homeless people into housing and the possibilities of their transferability and setting up sustainable cooperation across sectors.
• BLOCK 4, Sustainability and the Private Sector (14:00–15:30): A panel discussion with real estate agencies, business representatives, the State Investment Support Fund, and other stakeholders will seek answers to the question: How to engage businesses and owners? How to create a structure for long-term sustainability?

The conference will show that investing in affordable housing for refugees is an investment in a functional system for everyone.

When and where the conference takes place:

Date: November 20, 2025, Time: 9:00–16:00
Location: Metalica Building C (Citi Client Centre), Radlická 365/154, Prague 5
Moderator: David Valouch, Platform for Social Housing

Registration for the conference HERE.

Media Contact:
Jan Kašpárek, Head of PR Department at Romodrom
Email: jan.kasparek(at)romodrom.cz
Phone: +420 770 331 669

Editor's Notes:
    • Information about the conference on Romodrom's website can be found HERE.
    • Projects of Romodrom focusing on housing and resettlement can be found HERE.