Welcoming a family means offering people a place to live, but also creating opportunities around that place for connection, relationships and independence. In Como, Via Prudenziana is already a space where housing support, cultural activities and inclusion programs come together. This is why we chose to support the “Terzo Tempo: Via Prudenziana expands” project, promoted by Eskènosen Organizzazione di Volontariato: an initiative that, thanks to additional spaces made available free of charge, aims to expand both housing support and the social tailoring workshop in the building adjacent to the existing facility. Eskènosen OdV has been working since 2005 to welcome and support migrants, asylum seekers and refugees at its Via Prudenziana facility in Como, which is made available free of charge by a religious congregation. It currently hosts 7 families, for a total of 21 people, including 11 children. Alongside its housing activities, the organization promotes cultural initiatives such as a shared kitchen, a community hall and an inner courtyard, all developed in connection with the local community to create opportunities for dialogue and inclusion. The residential building also houses the “Coulture Migrante” social tailoring workshop, promoted by Luminanda APS, which works in vocational training, employment inclusion and ethical textile production, in close collaboration with Como’s silk supply chain. The expansion will involve the adjacent building through two main actions: increasing the housing capacity by renovating two apartments that will accommodate two mother-and-child households in a cohousing setting, for a total of 10–12 people; expanding the social tailoring workshop, increasing its capacity to offer new employment opportunities. Our contribution will support part of the renovation costs and the expansion of the social tailoring workshop, helping bring new life to an unused space and strengthening two key areas of the Association’s work: welcoming people and promoting inclusion through employment. Details Location: Como Association: Eskènosen Organizzazione di Volontariato Beneficiaries: 10–12 migrants and refugees Contribution: €75,000 Period: July 2026 – September 2027
