SMART UA - JRS Hungary
About JRS Hungary
Jesuit Refugee Service Hungary supports refugees, asylum seekers, and people under temporary protection through holistic integration measures. Its services combine social casework, psychosocial and mental health support, housing and employment assistance, and training programs, always tailored to individual needs.
Role in the project
Within the SMART UA project, JRS Hungary places a strong focus on housing and sustainable integration. Its activities aim to prevent homelessness, support livelihoods, and foster welcoming host communities by:
- Housing support: promoting access to affordable, long-term, and secure housing tailored to household needs.
- Livelihood support: addressing barriers such as unstable income and low-skilled employment, while improving labor market opportunities.
- Skills development: offering language, intercultural, and citizenship training to enable socio-cultural adaptation and employment.
- Preventive measures: reducing risks of homelessness, unemployment, and social exclusion through tailored casework and group support.
- Community awareness: engaging employers, landlords, institutions, and local communities to strengthen welcoming attitudes and inclusive practices.
REPORTS
Hungary – Housing Report
How are Ukrainian refugees building a sense of stability and belonging in Hungary? This report explores the realities of accessing affordable housing, the challenges faced by families, and the support mechanisms that help people move beyond emergency assistance towards longer-term integration. It also highlights good practices and recommendations to strengthen inclusive and sustainable housing solutions.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.
ARTICLES
SMART Housing: report on a Capacity Building Workshop
A capacity-building workshop titled The housing situation of Ukrainian refugees was held in Budapest on 22 January 2026, organised by JRS Hungary with partners Lutheran Diaconia and Szociometrum. The workshop brought together over 50 participants, including Ukrainian refugees and representatives from various organisations such as UNHCR, Caritas Hungary, and Eötvös Loránd University. The event focused on housing challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees, presenting key findings on affordability, inadequate housing supply, and integration barriers, while discussing recommendations for a reliable, long-term support system.
SMART Employment: report on a Capacity Building Workshop
JRS Hungary organised the second capacity-building workshop on 27 January 2026 in Budapest, titled The employment situation of Ukrainian refugees, in collaboration with Szociometrum and Lutheran Diaconia. The event brought together Ukrainian refugees, asylum seekers, and representatives from organisations like UNHCR, Caritas, and the Hungarian Red Cross. The workshop focused on key issues in refugee employment, including language barriers, informal labour, and degree recognition. Participants shared recommendations, emphasising language skills, degree recognition, childcare services, and better coordination among stakeholders to enhance employment integration.