A Different Kind of Home

In Shkodër, where Projekti Shpresa began its mission of inclusion and care, the idea of “home” has been redefined. The organization’s Shtëpi Familje (Family Homes) are not institutions — they are real homes built on warmth, stability, and community.

Each house welcomes a small group of residents, often young adults with disabilities or without family support, who live together like brothers and sisters. Every day begins with shared meals, laughter, and mutual care — simple moments that mean the world to people who have spent much of their lives feeling isolated or forgotten.

From Institutions to Belonging

Before Projekti Shpresa introduced this model, many individuals lived in large institutions where emotional and personal needs were rarely met. The family-home approach changed that reality completely. By recreating the structure of a real household, residents now have the chance to cook, clean, decorate, and take care of their surroundings — developing essential life skills and a sense of pride.

The atmosphere is guided by caregivers and educators who not only provide assistance but also encourage decision-making and responsibility. Every person is treated as a unique individual with talents, emotions, and dreams.

Growth Through Everyday Life

Daily life in the homes includes both routine and discovery. Residents help plan weekly meals, assist in chores, and take part in creative activities like music or gardening. For those with special needs, these tasks become practical lessons in coordination, patience, and teamwork.

Slowly, confidence grows. A resident who once refused to speak may start chatting with neighbors; another may take on the role of cooking for everyone on Sundays. Small victories, multiplied, create transformation.

A Family Beyond Blood

For Projekti Shpresa, these houses are more than buildings — they are symbols of human dignity. Each one reflects the organization’s belief that inclusion starts where love and acceptance exist. Over the years, hundreds of lives have been reshaped by this model of family-based care, where everyone has a place and a purpose.