SOCIAL HOUSING AS A STRATEGIC ELEMENT OF STATE SOCIAL AND INCLUSIVE POLICY

Abstract

The article substantiates social housing as a key element of the state's social and inclusive policy. Its essence is defined as a public good that differs from market-based housing by the absence of a commercial purpose and its focus on supporting the most vulnerable population groups. The foreign experience of providing social housing is revealed, considering the target groups of beneficiaries, terms of use, forms of provider participation, and state support mechanisms. It is established that the effectiveness of social housing is linked to the transparency of allocation procedures, sufficient funding, quality control, and a clear balance of interests of all stakeholders: the state, communities, construction companies, and end-users. It is substantiated that social housing performs a complex set of functions: ensuring the human right to housing, combating homelessness and poverty, integrating socially vulnerable groups, reducing social tension, and strengthening social cohesion. The basic aspects of social housing as an element of social policy are presented: user rights, the range of recipients, the system of providers, and financial and organizational mechanisms. The potential of social housing as a social good is defined in two dimensions – traditional and inclusive policy – which allows for a comparison of their capabilities in combating poverty, equalizing living conditions, and integrating marginalized groups. The place of social housing within the structure of an inclusive housing policy and its role in forming an inclusive, sustainable society are substantiated. It is determined that the implementation of social housing requires multi-level interaction: the improvement of the legislative framework and state programs, their adaptation at the regional level, and practical implementation at the local level with the active participation of communities and partnerships with the private sector. It is established that adherence to the principles of openness, fairness, subsidiarity, participation, and inter-sectoral cooperation is a guarantee for the formation of an effective inclusive housing policy.