Residential Housing
AMITY was founded out of a need to provide housing for Ukrainian refugees during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. AMITY’s founder, Kimberly Bianchini, and her husband, Filippo, the CEO of AMRES, a Prague-based commercial real estate firm, decided to provide a few of their vacant apartments. Later, they secured additional apartments through their contacts in the real estate market.
In late March 2022, Kimberly and Filippo established AMITY as a not-for-profit organization to expand the capacity to support additional incoming Ukrainian refugees. What appeared to be a simple gesture of generosity grew into housing 100+ family members in 30 apartments within Prague.
The majority of refugee families arrived with a single suitcase as they fled their country, so every apartment was furnished with the individual family’s needs in mind. Our AMITY volunteers cleaned and furnished each apartment, and provided it with household essentials, obtained through in-kind donations, and food for the first couple of weeks.
AMITY provides families with 3-6 months of rent-free housing. Once the families secure jobs, with the help and expertise of AMITY’s vocational team, families contribute monthly towards their rent & utilities. The monthly contribution of each family is assessed on an individual basis. AMITY administers all legal and practical aspects of lease arrangements.
Current statistics related to our housing in Prague:
- 20% of our apartments are donated to AMITY rent-free
- 80% of our apartments are provided to AMITY at reduced rates
- All interim housing, upon arrival in the Czech Republic, is provided free of charge by Hilton Prague
- 93% of secured apartments are unfurnished
- Presently, 97% of AMITY’s households sustain an external income and contribute 30% towards rent and essential life expenses
Although Ukrainian families have begun to contribute financially, AMITY’s monthly costs are significant.
Your contribution of USD 200 will provide an individual with refuge, resettlement, and safety for a month.
To make a tax deductible donation click here.