The building of a former kindergarten in Canelas, which had been empty for about 10 years due to population aging, has been transformed into "Casa Alegria," a collaborative and community housing project. The new social response, pioneering in the municipality, was conceived by the Associação de Assistência de Nossa Senhora das Candeias (AANSC) and has the capacity to accommodate 19 residents.
Paula Trigueiros, president of AANSC, explained that people of any age can apply to live in the space, as long as they have a need for companionship, support, or face situations such as financial difficulties, conflicts, or health problems.
The project represents an innovative response to the needs of the local community, combining the use of two adjacent buildings to create an environment of coexistence and mutual support among residents.
