The Associação de Assistência de Nossa Senhora das Candeias (AANSC) celebrated its 60th anniversary with the inauguration of Casa Alegria, in Canelas do Douro. The new social response aims to promote the autonomy and community integration of people in vulnerable situations.
The project results from the rehabilitation of two historic buildings linked to the institution, with a total investment of approximately one million euros, of which 596,676 euros were funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
The structure provides six autonomous apartments for 19 residents, two common rooms, a terrace and a laundry room. Two dwellings were adapted for people with reduced mobility, following a collaborative housing model that prioritizes autonomy and mutual assistance among residents.
The recovered buildings include the former house of Dr. Barrigas de Carvalho, previously used as a nursery and kindergarten, and Casa da Miquelina, built on the site of the former Hospital Seixas Penetra and dedicated to the founder of the association, Manuela Trigueiros Cunha.