The Polish government launched the 'Mutually Needed' pilot programme for municipalities with up to 120 000 inhabitants (small towns and rural communes). The aim of the programme is to create an effective, comprehensive system of medium- and long-term assistance and social inclusion for people and families at risk of marginalisation, both Poles (e.g. single parents, repatriates) and Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection, by providing them with support in the areas of housing, labour market, education and other social services. Currently, five projects are being implemented as part of the pilot.

In housing, the programme provides financial support for the renovation and adaptation of housing, primarily public housing but also social and private. These dwellings are then managed by a Social Rent Agency (SAN), which is run by a municipal company, an NGO or a social cooperative. The role of the SAN is to lease the flats from public or private landlords and then make them available to people in need at reduced rent. In return for a reduced rent of approximately 20-30% less than the the market price, the SAN guarantees the landlords a regular inspection of the condition of the housing and the payment of the lease rent.

Tenants of premises under the 'Mutually Needed' programme, including those from Ukraine, receive a subsidy on their rent and other housing charges for the first five months after moving, which is gradually reduced over time. At the beginning, they must provide a deposit or other form of security. Low-income tenants can also receive housing allowances on general terms.

The SAN's role is not only to provide assistance with housing but also to offer other social services tailored to the needs of tenants and their families, such as job assistance, Polish language learning or psychological support. The aim of this comprehensive assistance is to promote self-sufficiency and prevent debt.

Regarding the labour market, programme participants are provided with the support of a job assistant whose task is to familiarise them with Polish employment regulations and to help them use the services of local labour offices for job-seeking or training. Ukrainian citizens are also provided with access to Polish language courses.

Education is an important part of the programme. Ukrainian children learning in Polish schools receive support from intercultural assistants. Children continuing their education at Ukrainian schools are provided with remote learning spaces or the necessary equipment. Shared activities for Polish and Ukrainian children are organised, such cultural and sports activities and daycare centres, as well as additional activities aimed only at Ukrainian children, in order that they can maintain their national community.

This pilot initiative precedes the national 'Mutually Needed - Housing, Work, Community' programme for 2024-2029, which is part of the Social Inclusion Strategy currently being developed by the government.