According to national data, homelessness in ’, Spain, has increased by 25 percent in the last decade. Such statistics forced the authorities and NGO ’s to find an alternative method to combat homelessness.
The proposed solution is surprisingly simple: Give a home to everyone who lives on the street. The initiative, known as Housing First, which was first developed in ABD’, is increasingly being adopted in Avrupa’.
Unlike traditional approaches, individuals do not need to meet certain criteria before receiving housing assistance. The idea is that homeless individuals have a better chance of creating a brighter future for themselves if they have a roof over their heads.
Carlos Martínez Carrasco lived in difficult circumstances for several years before the Housing First initiative provided him with an apartment on the outskirts of Madrid’in.
Real Economy’ye said the apartment changed his life in every way: I'm not missing anything from what you did on “ Street, and I can cook. I don't need to find a way to do laundry… I can go out with peace of mind because I have a place to go back to. I'm so happy today. - ”
Housing First, as laid down in the European Pillar of Social Rights Principle 19’, sees housing not as a reward but as a right. This law stipulates that:
- Those in need should have access to social housing or housing assistance.
- Vulnerable persons have the right to appropriate assistance and protection against forced eviction.
- Adequate housing and services should be provided to homeless individuals and families to encourage social participation.
The two NGOs, ProviviendaAnd then there's Hogar Si, ,Carlos’a MadridCo-directs several Housing First initiatives in ’, including a home-giving initiative in ’, Spain. Funded by the local government of Madrid (Comunidad de Madrid) through the European Social Fund, this project has so far %It continues to have a 100 occupancy and retention rate.
Gema Gallardo, managing director of Provivienda Real Economy’ye, said: “European funds are mainly used to implement innovative initiatives and innovative solutions to homelessness, and are also used to increase the stock of social and affordable housing. SpainTwo key solutions to reduce homelessness in ’.”
What can the EU do to reverse the rising trend of homelessness?
Each EU member state shall ensure that ESF+ resources are at least ’ini to fight against social inclusion and at least %3He pledged to spend his ’ on the fight against material deprivation.
European Platform for the Elimination of HomelessnessHe's also working hard to create change. Avrupa’'s First Residential CenterFounded in 2016 by ’'s Y-Foundation of Finland and FEANTSA, It aims to give a home to everyone who lives on the street.
Yves LetermeThe former Prime Minister of Belgium and the Chairman of the European Platform for Combating Homelessness believe that member states can learn from each other: “We need to bring member states together and agree on what kind of policy tools we should use based on experience – because some member states have been very successful in addressing the issue, while others are lagging behind.”
Progress in the current economic context will not be easy, but evidence shows that change is possible with the right policies and incentives.
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