Raise awareness and combat stigma around homelessness and housing precarity

What is the problem?

Homelessness is often narrowly perceived as “rough sleeping,” while hidden forms - overcrowding, unsafe or temporary housing, informal rentals, and housing instability - remain largely invisible. Negative stereotypes and stigmatizing language prevent people from seeking help early.

What should be done?

Launch national and EU-wide awareness and communication campaigns to broaden public understanding of homelessness, using the ETHOS typology, and promote inclusive language that reduces stigma and discrimination.

Who should act?

National governments, municipalities, local authorities, EU institutions, and civil society actors should all contribute to designing and implementing these campaigns. 

What impact will it have?

Greater awareness will help citizens and policymakers identify hidden homelessness earlier, encourage people to seek support without fear, and foster empathy, solidarity, and more inclusive policymaking across European communities.