Αλλάζει σε «Creation and Expansion of Social Housing»

• +Creation and Expansion of Social Housing

• +

  What is the problem?

  Across many EU member states, and particularly in Greece, there is a critical shortage of affordable and adequate housing. This shortage affects vulnerable populations - including low-income citizens, youth, and migrants - who struggle to secure decent living conditions. In Greece, thousands of public and church-owned properties remain vacant or underutilized, while homelessness and housing insecurity continue to rise. The lack of an effective social housing system worsens inequality and social exclusion, undermining social stability and economic recovery.

  What should be done?

  The EU and the Greek government should prioritize the creation and expansion of social housing through the registration, renovation, and reuse of public and underutilized properties, including those owned by institutions such as the Orthodox Church.
  Key actions could include:
• +

• Conducting a national inventory of vacant or underused public and church-owned buildings suitable for residential use.

• +

• Launching EU-funded renovation programs (e.g., through the European Regional Development Fund or Recovery and Resilience Facility) to make these properties habitable and energy-efficient.

• +

• Establishing partnerships between local authorities, social housing agencies, and the Orthodox Church to manage these properties transparently for affordable housing purposes.

• +

• Introducing legal and fiscal incentives for institutions that make unused property available for social housing.

• +

Who should act?

The Greek national government, in cooperation with local municipalities, should lead the implementation of this policy. The European Commission should provide funding, technical assistance, and oversight through relevant EU programs supporting social inclusion and sustainable housing. The Orthodox Church of Greece, as a major property owner, should participate through social responsibility partnerships that align with its community mission. The European Parliament can support by advocating for stronger EU-wide social housing initiatives and accountability mechanisms.

What impact will it have?

This initiative would significantly increase the availability of affordable housing, helping thousands of vulnerable citizens and migrants find stable accommodation. It would also revitalize neglected urban areas, stimulate local economies through construction and renovation projects, and promote energy-efficient housing aligned with the EU Green Deal. Socially, it would foster greater inclusion, solidarity, and trust between public institutions, religious organizations, and citizens. Ultimately, the policy would turn unused property into a valuable public asset, ensuring that housing serves people, not profit.