Fighting Homelessness Policy Lab

Over 4 million people are affected by homelessness each year in Europe, studies compiled by FEANTSA and Foundation Abbé Pierre paint a stark picture however about the reality of this challenge.

Homelessness is pre-dominantly visible in European cities where wider issues about affordable and adequate housing are affecting more tracts of population. Policy makers at local level face challenges in delivering housing and social policies that can make a meaningful impact on homelessness.

To shed light upon this issue, URBACT is co-organising with FEANTSA the “Fighting Homelessness: the role of cities" Policy Lab, which will take place in Paris (10-11 of December 2018). On the 1st day, Monday, cities will participate in the formal lab discussing their chosen topics. On Tuesday, cities will participate in site visits in Paris, exploring real practices for combatting homelessness in site.

This event aims to empower cities with the knowledge shared within URBACT and FEANTSA and understanding of existing practices to combat homelessness in their city - linking this topic to the wider debate about housing rights for all.

More precisely, it seeks to explore concrete ways that cities can deliver the ambitious target set by the Urban Agenda for the European Urban Poverty partnership and other actions cities can take in the future to tackle and prevent homelessness, following themes to focus during the first day:

1. Housing First, an unique and innovative approach to ending homelessness;
2. Prevention of homelessness among vulnerable groups;
3. Re-use of vacant properties.

To illustrate the implementation of such actions and enrich the discussion and exchange among participants, representatives from the Housing First Europe Hub, the Housing Solutions Platform and the FEANTSA will either facilitate or be speakers during the session slots. In addition, representatives from different municipalities - including URBACT Good Practice labeled cities - will have the opportunity to present their own initiatives.

Who can participate?

Places for participants are reserved for cities only (local authorities, city practitioners and elected representatives). Cities who are interested in combatting homelessness using Housing First, prioritising prevention or re-using vacant buildings are encouraged to participate. The Policy Lab will be held in English.

Have a look at the agenda of the lab.

Registration process

People are welcome to register or express their interest in attending the Policy Lab by sending and e-mail to communication@urbact.eu.

The Policy Lab is free of charge and it includes lunches and refreshments. In return we expect you to acquire your own flight tickets and make your own accommodation arrangements.