Source: European Investment Bank
When the Russian bombardments started in Odesa in March 2022, Patrashku fled to Kopparberg in southern Sweden. After a year, she moved north to Skellefteå to work as assistant nurse.
With a population of 76 542, Skellefteå has grown quickly over the past five years. By 2030, it’s expected to add 16 000 further people.
Finding accommodation wasn’t easy for Patrashku. Properties were often taken before she could even visit them. The only option seemed to be living with other Ukrainian refugees, but Patrashku was determined to get a proper place. She signed onto Skebo’s housing list and started collecting “points”.
The number of points required to rent an apartment varies according to location and the applicant’s place in the queue. While those with the greatest need, such as low-income individuals, homeless people, refugees and the disabled, are given priority, others can also qualify if there is enough housing available.
With 53 points, Patrashku qualified for an apartment in Bostäder, a picturesque rural area north of Skellefteå. “Support from the European Investment Bank has given us the opportunity to accelerate housing construction in places where the private sector wouldn’t see an immediate return on investment,” says Ulander, the municipal official.