Citi Foundation Selects Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia for 2024 Global Innovation Challenge to Advance Solutions to Homelessness

The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA) set to receive $500,000 in catalytic funding and access to a global learning community and network.

The Citi Foundation announced the recipients of the 2024 Global Innovation Challenge, which aims to support solutions that address homelessness. The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia in Kazakhstan is one of the 50 community organizations around the world set to receive a collective $25 million in catalytic funding to address this pressing global issue.

EFCA will launch a 24-month initiative aimed at addressing homelessness across Kazakhstan, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as women with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. This collaboration is designed to address the increasing issue of housing insecurity in the country.As of 2024, more than 648 000 people in Kazakhstan are officially registered as lacking housing and are on the waiting list for affordable housing, with an alarming 12% of them being individuals with disabilities or families caring for children with disabilities. Citi Kazakhstan’s commitment will support EFCA in implementing a holistic, data-driven approach to combat homelessness, providing critical resources to those in need. 

“Since launching the inaugural Global Innovation Challenge in early 2023, we’ve continued to see how community-based solutions are poised to accelerate impact on the ground,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation and Head of Citi Community Investing & Development. “We call this grant support ‘catalytic’ given the multiplier effect it can have on lowincome communities. Each community organization will not only directly impact the lives of people in crisis today, but also create models that can be replicated in other communities around the world tomorrow.”

“The Citi Foundation’s support for EFCA reflects a shared commitment to creating long-term, sustainable solutions for homelessness in Kazakhstan. We aim to not only provide immediate relief but to empower these vulnerable groups to secure stable housing and build better futures”, said Saule Zhakayeva, Chairperson of the Management Board of Citibank Kazakhstan JSC.

The initiative titled "Omirlik Maqsat: Empowering Solutions for Homelessness Program" will focus on several key components:

• Capacity building for local NGOs to help them better support the homeless population;

• Vocational training for women and parents of children with disabilities to enhance employment opportunities;

• Access to legal, financial, and mental health services to assist individuals in overcoming the barriers to securing permanent housing.

Additionally, the project will engage key stakeholders to advocate for necessary policy changes that aim to enhance access to affordable housing for vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities. The collaboration also includes the development of a database that will track the needs of beneficiaries, ensuring a personalized approach to support.

Rinad Temirbekov, Director of the EFCA, shared his thoughts on the partnership: “This initiative represents a critical step forward in addressing one of the most pressing social issues in Kazakhstan. By joining forces with Citi and the Citi Foundation, we are not only providing immediate support to those in need but also working toward long-term solutions that will help change lives. Together, we will create a framework that ensures access to safe and secure housing for vulnerable populations, especially for people with disabilities”.

This project reinforces the shared vision of the Citi Foundation and the EFCA to create a more inclusive society, providing vulnerable groups with the tools and support they need to thrive.

In January 2024, the Citi Foundation announced the Global Innovation Challenge, an international competition for nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit citifoundation.com/challenge and follow the progress of these organizations on social media using the hashtag #InnovationChallenge.

For more information, please contact:

Akmaral Karlybayeva

Email: akmaralk@ef-ca.org

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The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia (EFCA), registered in 2006, mobilizes public and private resources to help citizens find and promote effective solutions to public problems at the national and regional levels. The foundation also provides consultancy to companies and their corporate funds, aiming to enhance their corporate social responsibility performance. For more information, visit the website and follow EFCA on Instagram.

Citibank Kazakhstan JSC, an affiliate of Citigroup, is one of the leaders in Kazakhstan's banking industry. Citi acts as a key partner for international companies and investors, the Government of Kazakhstan and the largest enterprises in the country. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi   

License for banking and other operations and activity on securities market № 1.2.247/81/30 dated February 03, 2020, issued by the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of Financial Market.

Media Contact: Meruert Sukhankulova, meruyert.sukhankulova@citi.com