In the last 15 years, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Europe has doubled. According to the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless, at least 1.3 million people are living without a roof over their heads.
However, this figure only shows the visible part of a problem that stems from deep structural issues and demands systemic, comprehensive and people-centred solutions. So, what are the policies and practical developments needed for a future without homelessness? How can begin building these solutions?
Drawing from his direct experience, Ravi Debisarun, a peer worker at Housing First Jongeren (Leger des Heils/Limor), provides a crucial insight: “Having a home is the basis of having a life.” This core principle underscores the foundation upon which any effective solution must be built.
Following this fundamental statement, Eurocities, in collaboration with the Housing First Europe Hub, has launched Let’s Start with a Home, a podcast that delves into one of the most promising answers: Housing First.
Throughout its episodes, ‘Let’s Start with a Home’ brings us closer to the voice and experience of people with lived experience of homelessness, the specific strategies and approaches adopted in the implementation of Housing First, and the challenges and obstacles that cities face in implementing and scaling the model.
A paradigm shift and a fundamental human right
“I think the main impact that Housing First has had is to demonstrate that people who we thought needed to be sober or needed to be in treatment to hold onto housing, that we were wrong about that; that people can manage housing very well if you allow them to go into it and then support them to keep it,” says Sam Tsemberis, founder of Pathway Housing and creator of Housing First.
For a long time, the main approach to tackling homelessness was based on a step-by-step model in which people experiencing homelessness had to overcome certain stages and demonstrate so-called ‘behavioural improvements,’ to fit into programmes and finally access stable housing – the staircase model.
Housing First is a response to the ineffectiveness of pre-existing systems, offering a tangible alternative. It gives immediate access to decent housing, without conditions, because that is the fundamental pillar on which any recovery process is built. To end homelessness, local and national governments must understand that having a home is much more than a necessity; it’s a fundamental human right.
Housing First in action across Europe
In Finland, the Housing First model was adopted nationally, moving from temporary accommodation to permanent housing. This transformation, which Juha Kaakinen, former CEO of the Y-Foundation, details in the podcast, led to a remarkable 65% reduction in long-term homelessness since 2008.
Other experiences, like those in Brno, Glasgow, Lisbon, Lyon Metropole and Vantaa, explored in the new Eurocities report, ‘Housing First in Action: insights from five European cities,’ are proof of the effectiveness of the model in ensuring permanent accommodation for homeless people, whilst offering adapted support services.
These support services and prevention are essential; however, the lack of affordable and social housing remains a major obstacle to implementing Housing First effectively.
Gary Quinn, Service Manager on Homelessness at Glasgow City Council, explains that “homelessness is fundamentally a housing issue.” The lack of social and affordable housing hinders the right to housing and limits cities from implementing ambitious legislation to prevent and end homelessness.
Housing First offers a tried and tested way to end homelessness in Europe. However, homelessness persists because it is a symptom of deep structural problems. Through the testimonies of the interviewees, the podcasts offer a look at some of these problems, which include, but are not limited to, housing market dynamics, wages or social benefits that are not enough to pay rent and a global housing shortage.
Real people, real progress: The potential to end homelessness in Europe
The successful implementation and expansion of Housing First can end homelessness. The Lisbon Declaration‘s goal of eradicating homelessness by 2030 is ambitious but achievable. However, it all requires sustained investment in social and affordable housing, greater collaboration between national and local authorities, and a fundamental shift in how society views and addresses homelessness.
Systemic change involving policymakers is essential to prevent homelessness from constantly outpacing our ability to provide solutions. As Tsemberis indicates, “You could be in business forever in reducing homelessness unless you address what’s creating homelessness to begin with.”
The model that Tsemberis developed adds to the work of professionals like Francesca Albanese, who advocates for better housing policies in the UK; Juha Kaakinen and Gary Quinn, who fight for the implementation of Housing First in Finland and Glasgow; Ravi Debisarun, who strives to provide personalised support in The Hague; and people like Mary, on her own journey in her first home in Glasgow, as a Housing First beneficiary.
Their stories are proof that ending homelessness is possible.
Ready to dive deeper? Let’s Start with a Home is available on Spotify. Follow the series, share it and join the conversation on how Europe can end homelessness.
