1. Granting Ownership Rights of Public Housing to Roma: the case of the Municipality of Silistra (Bulgaria) Granting Ownership Rights of Public Housing to Roma: the case of the Municipality of Silistra (Bulgaria)

2. International Conference on Roma Housing in Europe Murska Sobota, (Slovenia), 20 th of September 2013 19 settlements; 51 386 inhabitants as of 2011 census; 899 declared as Roma; area 516 sq.km. General Information

3. Housing Situation of Roma Roma population is predominantly living in the Drustar neighbourhood; The housing stock in owned by the Municipality of Silistra; Major problems: rent paying and dwelling conditions, existing since mid 90`s. International Conference on Roma Housing in Europe Murska Sobota, (Slovenia), 20 th of September 2013

4. Tackling the Problems… International Conference on Roma Housing in Europe Murska Sobota, (Slovenia), 20 th of September 2013 in 2004 for the first time was promoted the idea to sell out all dwellings to the occupants - UNSUCCESFULLY; In 2008 a new idea was launched – to grant ownership rights to occupants and turn them into “REAL OWNERS” – doubtful beginning; In 2010 started the Investigation and Implementation of Good European Practices for Optimising Housing Policy of the Municipality of Silistra Project.

5. Results One of the project results was exchange of experience with Greek partners on a financial scheme for providing preferential housing loans to Roma - the example boosted granting ownership rights to Roma; In 2009 only 1 dwelling was granted; 19 in 2010; 11 in 2011 and 9 in 2012. In 2013 about 50 applications are pending; The new owners are keeping in a better condition their homes and paying their bills. International Conference on Roma Housing in Europe Murska Sobota, (Slovenia), 20 th of September 2013

6. Thank you for your attention! Questions?Observations?Comments? International Conference on Roma Housing in Europe Murska Sobota, (Slovenia), 20 th of September 2013