Housing as a cornerstone of social inclusion

A home is more than just a roof over our heads; it's a cornerstone of our physical and mental health, and a foundation for our wellbeing. It provides stability, fosters a sense of community, and is essential for a fulfilling life.  Yet, across Europe, more and more people are facing homelessness and housing instability. Socio-economic factors, including rising housing prices and living costs, coupled with the scarcity of social housing options, are all contributing to a persistent housing crisis in many EU Member States – with marginalised people and communities disproportionately affected. Amid these challenges, the European Union’s ambition to end homelessness by 2030 is a crucial and timely goal.

National Red Cross Societies across Europe are on the frontline, witnessing firsthand how sleeping rough impacts people’s physical and mental wellbeing. Winter’s freezing temperatures and wet weather take an acute toll on people’s health. Many Red Cross societies provide immediate support to those who find themselves homeless, ensuring their access to accommodation, social protection and employment, health services, as well as psychosocial and material support.

For example, as part of the "#HinSchauen" project in Mainz-Hechtsheim,  German Red Cross  volunteers visit people on the streets once or twice per week, providing winter clothes, sleeping bags, warm meals and drinks. Volunteers also offer a listening ear to people who are marginalised and made invisible to society. This winter, the Belgian Red Cross warned about the lack of permanent solutions despite homelessness being on the rise in the country.  Due to the absence of a public year-round shelter system, the Belgian Red Cross has been strengthening its activities to provide temporary accommodation year after year.

Apart from responding to immediate needs, Red Cross societies also work with people experiencing homelessness to accompany them in their journey to exit homelessness into sustainable, high-quality housing. The Austrian Red Cross’ Opportunity House provides a realistic and timely perspective on finding suitable housing to live an independent life for people who were granted approval by the Advisory Centre for Homeless Assistance in Vienna. These individuals are waiting for an open spot in an assisted living facility or for a different kind of accommodation, such as therapy clinics and nursing homes.

To address the serious housing shortages across the EU and the negative impact to access affordable homes for specific groups – such as low-income households, single parents, persons with disabilities and migrants – National Red Cross Societies support people through addressing tenancy problems and underlying issues which may affect their housing. For instance, the Luxembourg Red Cross offers a warranty to owners who rent through them, providing access to those who have more difficulty securing accommodation.

The EU has recognised that homelessness continues to be a growing social crisis and has committed to eradicate homelessness by 2030. The Liege Declaration, signed by EU ministers in March 2024, recognises housing as a foundational pillar against poverty and social exclusion.

Despite these commitments, the challenges ahead are enormous. To build an inclusive Europe where no one is left living on the streets, in precarious housing, or at risk of losing their home, EU approaches must treat housing as a social good and not as a commodity. The upcoming Affordable Housing Plan should reinforce this commitment by emphasising this social aspect of housing.