by InTrieste
City officials announced a new effort to expand affordable housing in one of Trieste’s most populated neighborhoods, unveiling a public–private initiative aimed at rehabilitating apartments in a municipally owned building on Via dei Giuliani, in San Giacomo.
At a press conference, Elisa Lodi, the municipal councillor responsible for real estate and sports, detailed the €350,000 financing granted by the Fondo Trieste to the Antonio Caccia and Maria Burlo Garofolo Foundation. The funding will support restoration work on eight apartments at No. 14 Via dei Giuliani, with the goal of making them available to residents facing economic hardship and housing insecurity.
The project, Ms. Lodi said, reflects growing cooperation between government institutions and social organizations to respond to Trieste’s housing pressures. “Thanks to the synergy with the Fondo Trieste Commission, the Prefect, and the Caccia Burlo Foundation, we will create homes that allow us to meet the needs of people with vulnerabilities and economic difficulties,” she said. “This initiative adds to our existing agreement with the foundation to support those facing severe housing challenges.”
The Fondo Trieste — a government-administered economic tool designed to support local development — approved the funding unanimously. Claudio Giacomelli, who recently stepped down as president of the Fondo Trieste Commission, described the allocation as the final act of his mandate. “This initiative allows us to support a municipal property while entrusting the work to a charitable foundation so renovations can proceed quickly,” he said. “It also offers a small contribution toward addressing the housing emergency affecting Italy and Europe.”
Founded more than 90 years ago, the Caccia Burlo Foundation focuses on providing housing for residents of Trieste province who cannot afford adequate accommodation, with preference given to individuals supported by public social services. The foundation has long managed municipal properties for this purpose.
Lori Petronio, president of the foundation, welcomed the decision, noting that demand for small rental units in the city remains high. “With this funding, we will renovate eight apartments, and we hope the project can move forward as quickly as possible,” she said. While the building’s overall condition is “not too bad,” Ms. Petronio added, certain upgrades are needed, including checks on the existing elevator and modernization of internal systems. “There is a strong need for studio and one-bedroom apartments, and this building aligns perfectly with those needs.”
Renovation work is expected to begin in the coming months, marking a renewed emphasis on social housing in a city where rising demand continues to test local resources.
