INH and Família Cierco Foundation launch new financial aid to improve access to public housing

The National Housing Institute (INH) and the Família Cierco Private Foundation signed a cooperation agreement on Monday to launch a new financial aid scheme for individuals and families facing difficulties accessing or remaining in Andorra’s public housing stock.

The agreement seeks to address expenses that can become a barrier for vulnerable households, even after they have secured public housing. According to the INH, the initiative aims to prevent temporary financial difficulties from jeopardising families’ housing stability.

The Família Cierco Private Foundation will make an annual financial contribution exclusively to fund the programme, while the INH will be responsible for managing the resources, including assessing applications, awarding grants and monitoring beneficiaries.

“With the signing of this agreement, we are expanding our commitment. We are not only facilitating access to housing, but also ensuring that no family sees its stability compromised because it cannot afford basic expenses,” said INH director Marta Alberch.

Meanwhile, Roser Noguer, chair of the board of trustees of the Família Cierco Private Foundation, said the agreement represents another step in the organisation’s commitment to helping address Andorra’s housing challenges, particularly for people facing the greatest difficulties.

From rental deposits to water and electricity bills

The new scheme will help cover a range of essential housing-related expenses. These include the deposit required to move into a property, utility connection fees, occasional rent payments in the event of unforeseen circumstances, and water and electricity bills.

The grants may also cover compulsory insurance, minor repairs and the purchase of basic household equipment, as well as other exceptional needs that are properly justified.

The programme will be open to people who are current or future tenants of Andorra’s public housing stock, provided they meet the financial and social requirements established under the agreement.

Priority will be given to single-parent families, households with children or dependent persons, and young people beginning the process of living independently. Special consideration will also be given to people whose financial circumstances have unexpectedly deteriorated due to situations such as job loss, illness or separation.

Private funding managed by the INH

The programme will operate through a public-private partnership model. The Família Cierco Foundation will provide the financial resources, while the National Housing Institute will be responsible for processing and deciding on applications according to criteria of objectivity, transparency and fairness.

The two organisations will also establish a joint monitoring committee to assess how the programme is operating, review its results and consider possible improvements.

The INH believes the agreement will provide additional tools to prevent housing vulnerability, particularly in situations where families’ needs extend beyond simply being allocated a public housing unit.