Hungary

Oltalom Sports Association

Oltalom Sports Association give disadvantaged and homeless people the opportunity to participate in sports and social activities. Their programmes, including regular football training sessions, are designed to improve the health of participants, promote understanding, and reduce crime in some of Hungary’s most dangerous areas. Through sports, OSA bring people together and help create valuable contacts and friendships.

Organisation Details

Participants

Homeless men and women and marginalised youth

Locations

Five different locations, including Budapest and Szeged

Homelessness Statistics

46.6%

Impoverished Hungarians living on less than US$300 per month (Borgen Project, 2017)

10,206

Number of homeless people recorded in Hungary in 2016 (only people connected to shelters and NGOs, real number may be much higher) (FEANTSA, 2017)

In October 2018, the Hungarian government officially criminalised rough sleeping, meaning homeless people can be tried, fined, imprisoned and have their possessions burnt. The legislation has been seen to “further marginalise and even demonise vulnerable people” (FEANTSA, 2018).