“A new home. A new beginning”, is the motto of A_REDE, an initiative that aims to combat difficulties in accessing the private real estate market by refugees.

The initiative of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and the Refugee Support Platform (PAR) has the mission of creating the necessary conditions for refugees to be able to restart their life in Portugal.

"Fulfilling its role as a bridge between families and all people who want to be part of the reception and inclusion of refugees, this initiative aims to reinforce society's mobilization capacity in favour of the inclusion of refugees in the national territory", according to a report by Notícias ao Minuto.

This initiative, a pioneer in Portugal, was financed through the project approved by FAMI (Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund) CSI PT/2020/FAMI/520. A_REDE is available at https://a-rede.pt/ and intends to put refugee families in contact with people who have houses for rent at affordable prices.

Through this digital platform, those interested in being part of this NETWORK can provide, by completing an online form, the characteristics of the properties and other spaces that they have available, as well as the lease conditions.

The year 2022 was marked by the reception in Portugal of more than 50,000 people displaced following the conflict in Ukraine.

“Access to housing is a challenge that affects everyone, indiscriminately, in Portugal. However, for refugees, the difficulties are increased. This project invites landlords to put themselves in their shoes and the impact they may have on the lives of those forced to leave everything behind. We are talking about people who do not have friends or family in Portugal, to help them overcome the demands of the private rental market”, explains André Costa Jorge, Director of JRS Portugal and Coordinator of the Platform to Support Refugees.