Belluno, First Subsidized Rents for Healthcare Staff in Feltre: 'Repopulate the Mountains with Services'

The Veneto Region is taking a bold step to address the critical issue of depopulation in its mountain areas by leveraging housing as a strategic tool to attract essential workers. Recognizing that mountain territories face unique challenges, including higher costs of living and administration, the region is prioritizing accessible housing solutions.

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La montagna non è una cartolina ma una macchina che lavora contro la fisica e i numeri, con fatica

A pilot project has been launched in Feltre, where ten apartments will be offered at subsidized rents to healthcare and social-healthcare personnel. This initiative, named "Coabitare una risorsa" (Co-inhabiting a resource), is a collaboration between the Region, the Municipality of Feltre, and Ater Belluno. The goal is to provide a four-year renewable lease for nurses, physiotherapists, care assistants, and other professionals vital to the Usl 1 Dolomiti.

Regional President Alberto Stefani emphasized that this program directly tackles the concrete problem of attracting and retaining healthcare staff, declaring that "housing becomes a strategic lever. We are inaugurating a housing revolution." This aligns with a new regional law that allows a portion of public housing to be allocated to strategic categories. In a second phase, an apartment will also be designated for people with disabilities.

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Diamo una risposta a un problema concreto – attrarre e trattenere personale sanitario. La casa diventa una leva strategica. Inauguriamo una rivoluzione dell’abitare

This initiative highlights a growing understanding that the 'high lands' must be valued not just for their scenic beauty but as living, working communities. By ensuring essential services like schools, transportation, and affordable housing, the region aims to create sustainable living conditions for those who choose to work and reside in these areas. The focus on healthcare workers is particularly significant, as their presence is crucial for maintaining the well-being and viability of these remote communities. This approach moves beyond viewing schools with few children or semi-empty buses as mere costs, but as democratic presidia essential for the region's future.

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Valorizzare le terre alte – significa garantire servizi essenziali per contrastare lo spopolamento e costruire condizioni di vita sostenibili per chi sceglie di vivere e lavorare qui