Housing First in the Czech Republic: A Growing Commitment to Systemic Change

In the Czech Republic, housing exclusion affects approximately 150,000 people, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive housing policies. Over the past decade, there has been a gradual shift away from traditional staircase models toward Housing First-inspired approaches, grounded in international evidence and a growing domestic emphasis on housing as a human right.

The first Housing First project was launched in 2015 as a partnership between a municipality and a non-profit organisation. Simultaneously, broader activities in the field of social housing began to emerge. A key enabler of these developments was the European Social Fund (ESF), which provided a foundation for targeted funding. This led to dedicated calls supporting Housing First, attracting municipalities and NGOs to test housing-led interventions.

In 2025, the Czech Parliament adopted the Act on Housing Support, introducing Housing Support Assistance – a social service delivered by municipalities or accredited providers to help recently housed households maintain stable housing. While this assistance represents a systemic advancement, Housing First approaches remain primarily funded through projects. The law also establishes Housing Contact Points in most of the municipalities with extended powers, designed to assess housing needs, coordinate support, and manage data.

The Czech Republic is entering a crucial implementation phase. A dedicated ESF+ call focuses on Housing First, and growing institutional expertise supports further integration. Together, these developments mark an important opportunity to scale and embed Housing First within Czech housing and social policy.

To learn more, please visit the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs website here.