The Catching-Up Settlements Program (Felzárkózó Települések) was launched by the Hungarian Government in the summer of 2019 as a long-term initiative to improve the living conditions and opportunities of Hungary’s most disadvantaged communities. The Hungarian Reformed Church Aid is currently active in 64 settlements across the country.

The 300 participating settlements were selected in cooperation with the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) based on the country’s lowest complex socio-economic development indicator. Together, these communities are home to approximately 270,000 people. They are characterized by low levels of educational attainment and employment, while the proportion of homes lacking basic modern amenities is significantly higher than the national average.

Since joining the program, the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid has gradually expanded its work and now provides community development and social inclusion services in 64 settlements, beginning with five communities in 2019 and adding new locations each year.

The program is implemented under the professional guidance of the Ministry of the Interior and the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, in cooperation with experienced charitable, church-based and civil society organizations. Local municipalities, public institutions, churches, businesses and community organizations also play an active role in its implementation.

A key principle of the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid is that every settlement is different. Rather than applying the same solution everywhere, we begin our work with a comprehensive assessment of local needs and design tailored programs and services that respond to the specific challenges of each community.

Alongside our core social development activities, we are committed to preserving human dignity, strengthening the self-esteem of individuals and families, and reducing social exclusion and discrimination. Our goal is not only to provide immediate assistance, but also to create opportunities that enable people and communities to build a more hopeful and sustainable future.