Overview of Homelessness in Europe: Key Insights from the 2024 Report by FEANTSA and Fondation Abbé Pierre

Posted on Monday, 7 October 2024
cover of Overview of Homelessness in Europe: Key Insights from the 2024 Report by FEANTSA and Fondation Abbé Pierre

FEANTSA (European Federation of National Organisations working with the Homeless) and Fondation Abbé Pierre have recently released their ninth comprehensive report on homelessness in Europe. The report sets out a detailed assessment of the current state of homelessness across Europe, the social and political frameworks affecting it and the policy measures that can help mitigate the growing crisis. As homelessness remains a persistent and worsening issue in many European countries, this report underscores the urgent need for coordinated action and systemic change.

Key Findings of the 2024 Report

The 2024 edition of the report delivers sobering statistics, showcasing that homelessness is not only increasing but also becoming more complex. Some of the report's central observations include:

  1. Rising Numbers: Homelessness has continued to rise in many parts of Europe, with some countries experiencing dramatic spikes. This growth is partly attributed to worsening economic conditions, a lack of affordable housing, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  2. Hidden Homelessness: A significant portion of homelessness remains "hidden" as individuals live in temporary, precarious conditions, such as staying with friends or family, couch-surfing, or living in overcrowded and unsafe environments. This hidden homelessness is difficult to quantify but is an essential part of the broader crisis.

  3. Structural Causes: The report identifies structural factors such as income inequality, rising housing costs, and insufficient social welfare systems as the primary drivers of homelessness. Increasing reliance on the private sector to provide housing, coupled with gentrification in urban areas, has displaced low-income individuals and families, exacerbating their vulnerability to homelessness.

  4. Vulnerable Populations: Certain demographic groups are disproportionately affected by homelessness, including migrants, women, and youth. Migrants, in particular, face systemic barriers in accessing housing and social services, which puts them at higher risk of homelessness. Similarly, women, often victims of domestic violence, and young people transitioning out of foster care or other state systems, are increasingly becoming part of the homeless population.

  5. Impact of the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted housing security across Europe. Many people experienced sudden job loss, reduction in income, or inability to pay rent, leading to an increased risk of homelessness. The pandemic exposed weaknesses in Europe’s social safety nets, making clear the need for stronger protective measures for vulnerable populations.

National and Regional Variations

The report also highlights the stark differences in how European countries are dealing with homelessness. Some countries, such as Finland, have made significant strides by implementing the Housing First model and investing in affordable housing. Finland’s success stands in contrast to countries like France and the UK, where homelessness is rising despite efforts to curb it. Northern and Western European countries generally have more robust social safety nets and are more effective in reducing homelessness. However, Southern and Eastern European nations often struggle due to weaker welfare systems, economic instability, and insufficient housing infrastructure. In these regions, the report notes, a more comprehensive approach, involving both public and private sectors, is needed to ensure lasting progress.

Ireland

The Report notes that "Ireland has experienced a drastic increase in the number of people in emergency accommodation over the last 10 years. The situation is the result of a confluence of factors: a severe shortage of social and affordable housing exacerbated by austerity measures taken to address the 2008 financial crisis along with soaring rents in the private rental sector and heightened vulnerability of the poorest households. The increased number of families in homelessness rose sharply at the beginning of 2014, which was when excessive dependence on the private housing market entered a new phase. To mitigate the lack of social housing, the Irish government and local authorities chose to rely on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), a support measure that aims to enable access to the private rental market for households eligible for social housing. However, by subsidising excessive rents in an unregulated market with rampant speculation, this measure contributed to rising housing costs, and as a consequence, to increased evictions in the years since. And yet, until recently, the HAP was the only measure enabling homeless people in emergency accommodation to be rehoused. However, following a winter moratorium on evictions and the establishment of tighter regulations on rents in 2022, many landlords sold their properties or withdrew from the market, thus causing a drop in the number of homes available for rent. As both a cause of the housing crisis and an obstacle to resolving it, this vicious circle has resulted in an ever-increasing number of people in emergency accommodation for extended periods."

Policy Recommendations

The report not only outlines the challenges but also provides a comprehensive set of policy recommendations aimed at reversing the trend of rising homelessness. Some of the key suggestions include:

  1. Investing in Affordable Housing: One of the most urgent needs is the expansion of affordable and social housing. Governments are encouraged to allocate more resources to build housing that is accessible to low-income individuals and to protect existing affordable housing from market-driven forces that make it inaccessible.

  2. Strengthening Social Welfare Systems: To tackle homelessness, a strong social welfare system is crucial. This includes providing adequate unemployment benefits, ensuring access to healthcare, and offering financial support for individuals and families facing housing insecurity.

  3. Addressing Migrant and Refugee Needs: Given the disproportionate impact of homelessness on migrants and refugees, the report calls for policies that ensure equal access to housing and services regardless of immigration status. This includes streamlining pathways to legal residency and improving integration policies.

  4. Preventing Homelessness at the Source: Prevention is a crucial element in reducing homelessness. The report emphasises early intervention measures, such as providing support to individuals at risk of eviction, improving access to legal assistance, and offering rental subsidies to prevent people from losing their homes.

  5. Adopting a Housing-First Approach: One of the most successful strategies mentioned is the "Housing First" model, which prioritises providing permanent housing to homeless individuals without requiring them to meet preconditions like sobriety or participation in treatment programs. This approach has proven effective in helping individuals rebuild their lives in a stable environment.

The Path Forward

The 2024 report by FEANTSA and Fondation Abbé Pierre is a clarion call for urgent action across Europe. As homelessness becomes an increasingly pressing social issue, it demands not only immediate intervention but also long-term strategies that address the underlying causes. Policymakers, civil society organisations, and the private sector must work together to implement inclusive housing solutions, strengthen social safety nets, and protect the rights of vulnerable populations.

In conclusion, the growing homelessness crisis in Europe, as outlined in this report, is a complex issue requiring multifaceted solutions. By prioritising housing as a human right and investing in systemic change, European governments can begin to reverse the alarming trend of rising homelessness and build more equitable and resilient societies.