SSSD housing initiative: improving lives, strengthening families

The support was distributed to eight low-income families, with 26 families benefiting during 2024. The support aims to create a better living environment and strengthen family cohesion for Sharjah citizens.

Less fortunate families

Alia Al Zaabi, Director of the Social Assistance Department at SSSD and in charge for implementing the initiative, emphasizsd that "Improving Housing for the Less Fortunate" aims to improve the living standards of low-income families and strengthen family ties by creating an ideal residential environment that promotes family harmony.

Al Zaabi explained that housing is selected through periodic field visits by social specialists to the beneficiaries' homes to identify their needs and conditions, or through direct requests submitted by the beneficiary through the toll-free number 800700. All requests are submitted to the Finance Committee, chaired by SSSD chairman and a number of members will be responsible for making the appropriate decision.

Improvements

Al Zaabi added that the improvement process includes living, dining, and sleeping rooms to suit the nature of daily family life. The project also includes developing kitchens and equipping them with necessary supplies, improving bathrooms to make them safer for children and people with disabilities, and renovating gardens to provide comfortable family spaces and recreational and agricultural projects for family members.

Beneficiaries’ inclusion

Additionally, the project will improve storage areas and rooms for support workers. She noted that the beneficiary is involved in all stages of implementation, including selecting colours and designs that suit their desires and needs.

The Director of the Social Assistance Department concluded by explaining that the conditions for benefiting from the service include that the applicant be a Sharjah citizen and permanent resident, registered among SSSD beneficiaries, and that a field social report proves their actual need for improvement. Furthermore, the family's monthly income must be less than the limit set by the social assistance criteria based on the number of family members.