Solidarity Tourism Hospitality in the Service of Solidarity: The Inclusion Services of the Waldensian Diaconia
The Waldensian Houses are nonprofit organizations that support the social welfare projects of the Waldensian Diaconia. Here, we’ll tell you about the projects dedicated to vulnerable people and those with a migrant background.
A vacation to support those most in need
The Waldensian Houses put hospitality at the service of solidarity—in a very concrete way. 100% of the profits generated go to support the social, educational, and welfare projects of the Waldensian Diaconia. This means that through your stay, you’ll be contributing to initiatives and services aimed at the elderly, minors, migrants, and people who are vulnerable or have disabilities. But what, specifically, are these projects? Here, we’ll tell you about those dedicated to vulnerable people and those with a migrant background.
The Inclusion Services of the Waldensian Diaconia
Inclusion Services is the division of the Waldensian Diaconia that focuses on shelter, social housing, and initiatives to support the most vulnerable individuals, as well as socialization activities for children and youth. Established in 2011 in response to the “North African Humanitarian Emergency,” the division has since expanded significantly, with services now available in nearly 30 Italian cities. The motivation that drives it remains unchanged: to accompany people on a journey to overcome vulnerability and reclaim control of their lives.
Services
There are 5 main services offered.
Reception of migrants and their families, partly under an agreement with the public agency through the SAI (Reception and Integration System) and CAS (Extraordinary Reception Centers) projects, and partly through funds from the “Eight per Thousand” tax allocation to the Waldensian Church, thanks to which the Humanitarian Corridors have been implemented.
Social Housing: Temporary housing support programs integrated with pathways to self-sufficiency. Designed for workers in precarious employment, vulnerable households, women who have experienced violence, students, and individuals serving alternative sentences to incarceration.
Community centers, a national network of centers and service desks providing guidance on services, employment, reception, housing, and asylum and immigration rights.
#OpenEurope, created for people living in or passing through border areas, who are often excluded from institutional reception systems.
“Youth and the Community,” which promotes educational, social, and cultural activities aimed at girls, boys, and families to foster community participation and well-being.
The Projects
The Inclusion Division also develops projects that put people first, fostering relationships, access to services, and active citizenship. Examples include the Job Labs, which promote employment inclusion and self-reliance among refugee women. Then there are the Employment Corridors, an innovative channel for legal and safe entry into Italy that offers refugees the opportunity to work legally; the UNICORE University Corridors, designed to give refugee students the chance to continue their university studies in Italy; and the three initiatives, P(r)onti per l’autonomia, P.O.L.I. – Poli per l’Orientamento, la Legalità e l’Inclusione, and Living Better, which focus respectively on rights related to housing, work, legal protection, and health.
Your solidarity stay with Waldensian Homes
When you choose to stay at our hotels, hostels, or guesthouses, you’re making a gesture of solidarity and responsibility toward the people and the world around us. Help the Inclusion Services of the Waldensian Diaconia continue their current projects and develop new ones— book your next trip with us!
