Änderungen an „Expand “Housing First” approaches across Europe“

What is the problem?

Every other aspect of a home - emotional, social, and psychological - depends first on having a safe, stable, and adequate physical space. Without this basic foundation, people cannot rebuild their lives, access support, or regain independence. Yet across Europe, many people remain trapped in homelessness or housing precarity, because access to help is conditional on meeting other requirements first, such as employment, sobriety, or health recovery.

What should be done?

Scale up “Housing First” and rapid rehousing programs across all EU countries, ensuring everyone has access to safe, permanent housing before addressing employment or imposing other preconditions, like sobriety or lack of mental health issues. 

Who should act?

The European Commission and national governments, in cooperation with municipalities and NGOs, should include “Housing First” in national housing strategies and EU funding frameworks.

What impact will it have?

It will provide long-term stability for vulnerable people, break the vicious cycle of sleeping rough, and promote reintegration through housing security, dignity, and independence.