Malta’s Housing Authority: ‘We Offer All The Help And Support That Is Needed’
Malta’s Housing Authority has reiterated its support for Maltese citizens facing accommodation problems after social media was ablaze with reactions to a local couple who ended up living homeless in a Birkirkara garden.
“While not referring to any specific case, the Authority would have spoken directly with all concerned parties when the case would be referred to us and we offer all types of help that we can,” the Authority told Lovin Malta.
“The authority offers temporary solutions via help on the first rental deposit up to €416 per month,” it noted, saying over 4,000 people had been helped in 2022 with over €7.7 million invested.
The story of Rayther Vella and his wife went viral across Malta when it was revealed by Lovin Malta on Wednesday, with support groups like YMCA and Caritas immediately stepping in to find the couple within Stazzjon Gardens in Birkirkara and offer them temporary shelter.
In a video uploaded to social media, Vella can’t help but speak about the couple’s situation.
“Look at what we’ve fallen into. Can’t even find a place to rent, with sky-high rents wherever you look – plus, some landlords don’t even rent to Maltese people.”
“Shameful, and no one cares at all. If there’s someone who wants to join us tonight, they can come and stay with us, and I’ll tell them thank you – because tonight, this is where we’ll be.”
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Today, Housing Minister Roderick Galdes shared his personal thoughts on the accommodation sector in a new post on social media.
Saying he’s always approached the sector with “sensitivity” and that the Housing Authority has even been able to step in and help people in emergency situations – including domestic violence – he urged more work to be done as “there’s still more people who still need a helping hand”.
What do you think should be done in these kinds of situations?
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