The Foundation “House of Good Tones” Sarajevo is completing another successful year, focusing on the construction of 31 prefabricated houses intended for families who, through the social housing program, have found warmth and security in their own homes.
Last year, with the support of its partners, the Foundation dedicated its efforts to helping families in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as families who were left without shelter after the devastating earthquakes in Croatia at the end of 2020. The goal is to improve quality of life and social inclusion in difficult times, providing direct assistance in revitalizing earthquake-affected areas.
So far, the Foundation “House of Good Tones,” in cooperation with its partner, the “HILTI” Foundation from Liechtenstein, has built a total of 169 prefabricated buildings, including two multifunctional centers for various activities in Pale near Srebrenica and Klokotnica, Doboj East. In cooperation with the “Bauern helfen Bauern” Foundation from Salzburg, 115 prefabricated units were built in Croatia.
In 2023 alone, 27 houses were built in Bosnia and Herzegovina and 4 in Croatia, providing homes for 111 people across 1,922 square meters of living space.
These modern prefabricated houses, fully equipped with electrical and plumbing systems, thermal and sound insulation, and two floors with 62 square meters of living space, are designed for larger families.
Namir Porić, the Foundation’s Executive Director, highlighted the importance of this project:
“This initiative changes lives, bringing warmth and security to families who have lived for years in difficult conditions. Social inclusion, care, and empathy are the foundations of our work, and each prefabricated house we build represents not only a roof over someone’s head but also safety and a sense of belonging for families who have faced major life challenges. The involvement of employees from ‘HILTI’ in the house construction process is a great example of corporate responsibility and solidarity. Their expertise and dedication contribute to creating lasting homes, strengthening community ties, and empowering people who have been given a new beginning.”
The Tukić family of seven from the village of Straževac near Gračanica, who received their own home, shared their experience:
“This house has changed our lives—it’s much nicer, more comfortable, warmer, and we’re very happy to have received it thanks to good people. Now we have a chance to live much better and to give our children better living conditions,” said Bećir Tukić, who added that they have five children and that before moving into their new home, they lived in a small, inadequate building without running water or a toilet, in very poor conditions.
Mladen Todorović and his wife from Bratunac, after almost three decades of living in dilapidated rental houses, finally received the chance to have their own home:
“Now I can say that I feel like I belong somewhere again, and both our smiles and our hope for a better life have returned,” said Mladen, expressing his gratitude for the support.
Assistance to Croatia after the Earthquake
After the devastating earthquake in Croatia on December 29, 2020, the Foundation “House of Good Tones” immediately provided support to the affected area and, together with partners, built 127 prefabricated houses over three years.
The earthquake that hit Petrinja, Sisak, and Glina damaged thousands of buildings, many of which became uninhabitable and marked for demolition.
The Vancaš family from the village of Vrateško near Petrinja, who lost their home in the earthquake, expressed their gratitude and hope:
“After the earthquake, we were left on the street with our animals. We managed to stay with relatives and friends for a while because our house was unsafe and severely damaged. We learned about the Foundation’s ‘House of Good Tones’ program and applied. We didn’t expect a quick response, but the wonderful news arrived soon, followed by materials, and construction began. I didn’t expect the house to be this big—after living in just 21 square meters—but it’s so beautiful and functional. We love it here and don’t want to leave our village,” said Štefica Vancaš, who lives there with her two small children, husband, and mother.
The “House of Encounters” – A Modern Complex for Various Activities
In the village of Pale, near Srebrenica, the Foundation “House of Good Tones,” in partnership with the International Forum of Solidarity “Emmaus” and the “HILTI” Foundation, built seven prefabricated houses and a conference hall within the “House of Encounters” Center.
This modern complex offers a variety of facilities, including a multifunctional hall, sports fields, children’s playground, and a restaurant with local cuisine, providing a unique experience in a natural setting.
Together with MFS Emmaus, a center was built with a wide range of uses, designed to bring together young people from around the world through cultural, artistic, humanitarian, peace, and scientific initiatives, as well as those seeking a special environment for organizing workshops, education, or simply enjoying nature.
Numerous Support Projects Continue This Year
In addition to focusing on the social housing initiative, the Foundation also provides direct assistance, particularly to families in need.
The Foundation continually supports education through scholarships in various fields, including culinary arts, law, and training in organic production for engineers and specialists.
Special attention is given to supporting the activities of the “House of Good Tones” in Srebrenica, where children from Skelani, Bratunac, Potočari, and Srebrenica have access to education, culture, and music programs, regardless of their ethnic, social, or religious background.
In partnership with MFS Emmaus, last year the Foundation distributed 30,036 warm meals to 99 families in social need in the municipalities of Srebrenica and Bratunac, and this project continues this year. It also conducts the procurement and distribution of medicines for the elderly without social protection or health insurance.
This initiative also provides medical supplies and support for participants of the “Peace March”, held annually in July to commemorate the genocide against Bosniaks in the UN “Safe Area” of Srebrenica, in cooperation with the Red Cross of Tuzla.
The Foundation “House of Good Tones” remains committed to its mission as a non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit organization that implements social, economic, and educational programs for vulnerable and marginalized groups.
It will continue carrying out its programs with the goal of empowering communities and enabling active and equal participation in society for those who need help the most.
