Depaul hosts seminar in European Parliament on homelessness

Source: Depaul Ireland

Depaul International and Depaul Ireland, in conjunction with Aodhán Ó Riordáin MEP, today are hosting host a key seminar, "Building an EU Strategy to Eliminate Homelessness," in the European Parliament. As the housing and homelessness crisis takes on an increasingly international character, there has never been a greater need for an EU strategy to tackle homelessness.

Momentum is building with the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU currently drafting its report, the European Commission's DG ENER developing its first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP) for launch in December, and the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy continuing to advance. This is an unprecedented opportunity for the EU to address homelessness effectively and translate policy into improved outcomes for people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.

Depaul's seminar explores these challenges by bringing together key players from the European Commission, Parliament and civil society. It is aimed at influencing policy stakeholders to prioritise and tackle homelessness and housing exclusion. It also gives voice to people with lived experience of homelessness, as we discuss the implications of the EU's various initiatives for services and service users across the Depaul Group.

Matthew Carter, CEO of Depaul International said: "Lack of access to affordable, suitable housing both causes and sustains homelessness. At the Depaul Group, we see this repeated time and again in the experiences of those using our services in Europe and beyond.

To solve homelessness, the most marginalised people in society must be able to access housing. Building an EU strategy to end homelessness is vital to achieving this and will galvanise wider global action."

Housing inaccessibility and unaffordability threaten the fundamental pillars of the European project, such as human dignity, freedom, and equality, as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Depaul has identified several priorities which are necessary to make the EAHP a success, including:

Addressing the needs of those experiencing homelessness and supporting Housing First and Housing Led initiatives.

Commenting on the session, David Carroll, CEO of Depaul Ireland said: "To genuinely solve homelessness, the most vulnerable people in our society must be able to access the housing we provide and be supported by comprehensive services that enable them to remain in housing for the long term. We believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the European Union to do this, and demonstrate leadership and responsibility through the EU Affordable Housing Plan and also the European Anti-Poverty strategy."
Each on its own is significant, but together they have the power to transform the landscape of social inclusion, and social housing across Europe. Affordable housing without anti-poverty measures risks perpetuating inequality; anti-poverty efforts without secure housing cannot succeed. If these strategies are aligned, implemented, and backed by real investment, they can deliver what Europe promises - dignity, inclusion, and security for all."

LINKS

Depaul International: https://int.depaulcharity.org/

Depaul Ireland: www.depaulireland.org