The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity signed today in the Village of Capelas a protocol of cooperation with the Norte Crescente - Local Development Association to support the rehabilitation of eight houses owned by needy families.

Andreia Cardoso emphasised at the ceremony that the work of the Regional Secretariat for Social Solidarity "is mainly based on the partnerships established with Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) and the 'Santa Casa da Misericória,' which allow the channelling of resources and all our efforts for the benefit of the Azorean people." In this regard, the government official pointed out that the signing of this protocol was a practical example of the effort to support needy families.

The partnership amounts to an investment of around 75 thousand Euros, of which 70% is granted by the Regional Government, while the remaining 30% will be allocated by Norte Crescente for labour and construction materials.

There has been an already  established working relation with Norte Crescente Association since 2010. These partnerships have already improved the housing conditions of over 30 people, representing a public investment amounting to 176 thousand Euros.

Following the signing of the protocol, the government official and association representatives visited two dwellings already rehabilitated with the support of the Regional Directorate for Housing and the management of Norte Crescente.

During the current legislative period, a total investment of 8 million Euros has been authorised for the recovery and rehabilitation of degraded housing, supporting about 870 households throughout the archipelago.