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In this episode of Real Economy, Euronews reporter Paul Hackett explains how providing housing for the homeless as a starting point rather than an end goal is changing lives and rapidly becoming a long-term solution. Discover if there is.
Homelessness in Spain has increased by 25% over the past decade, according to national data. Statistics like these are forcing authorities and NGOs to come up with other ways to tackle homelessness.
The proposed solution is surprisingly simple. It’s about giving a home to everyone living on the streets. The initiative, known as Housing First, was first developed in the United States and is increasingly being adopted in Europe.
Unlike traditional approaches, individuals do not have to meet specific criteria before receiving housing assistance. The idea is that homeless people have a better chance of building a brighter future if they first have a roof over their heads.
Carlos Martínez Carrasco lived a rough life for several years before Housing First offered him an apartment on the outskirts of Madrid.
He told Real Economy magazine that the apartment had changed his life in every way. “I no longer lack the things I do on the street, I can cook, and I don’t have to find a way to wash my clothes anymore.” “I feel safe going out because I have a place to go to. I’m very happy today.” ”
Housing First sees housing as a right, not a reward, as enshrined in Principle 19 of the European Pillar of Social Rights. It stipulates as follows:
- Access to social housing and housing assistance should be provided to those in need.
- Vulnerable people have the right to appropriate assistance and protection against forced eviction.
- Appropriate shelter and services should be provided to homeless individuals and their families to promote social inclusion.
two NGOs, Provivienda and hogar sico-manages several Housing First initiatives in Spain, including the project that gave Carlos a home in Madrid. The project, which is funded by the Comunidad de Maddrid through the European Social Fund, has maintained 100% occupancy and maintenance rates to date.
Provivienda Executive Director Gema Caillardo told Real Economy: “European funding is primarily used to implement innovative approaches and innovative solutions to homelessness, and to provide social and affordable solutions. “It’s also being used to increase the housing inventory. There are also two fundamental solutions to reducing homelessness.” Spain. “
What can the EU do to reverse the upward trend in homelessness?
All EU Member States have committed to spending at least 25% of their ESF+ resources on tackling social inclusion and at least 3% on addressing material deprivation.
of European Platform on Homelessness are working hard to bring about change, but Housing First Europe Hubfounded in 2016 by Finland’s Y Foundation, Fairantusaaims to give a home to everyone living on the streets.
Yves LetermeThe former Prime Minister of Belgium and Steering Committee Chair of the European Platform on Combating Homelessness believes that member states can learn from each other.[We need to] Member states need to come together and agree on what policy tools should be used, based on experience. This is because some Member States have been very successful in addressing this issue, while others have lagged behind. ”
Progress in the current economic climate is not easy, but there is evidence that change is possible with the right policies and incentives.
To watch the full report, click on the video in the media player above.
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