What is HABITACT?

HABITACT is a European exchange forum on local homeless strategies. It was launched with the support of FEANTSA (European federation of national organisations working with homeless people) in June 2009 by a core group of cities to develop European cooperation between local social policy administrations on tacking homelessness.

HABITACT was established in response to growing interest and demand for information on homelessness from local authorities across Europe. Support from the European Commission and patronage from the European Committee of the Regions will serve to further build cooperation to make progress on tackling homelessness.

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EU Context

On 22 June 2010, the Committee of the Regions have called on the European Commission to put forward targeted proposals to support local and regional authorities in their daily fight against homelessness. Indeed, local authorities are keen to work together at EU level, especially in these times of recession where vulnerability to homelessness is increasing and sustainable solutions are crucial. European policy and research tools (including common definitions) now make it possible for local authorities to exchange practical information using a “common language”. The EU social agenda offers a framework for these exchanges through the "EU social protection and social inclusion strategy", with homelessness being a top priority in 2009 for social affairs ministries in the 27 EU countries. The launch of a new European Platform against Poverty (in June 2010) should also offer more opportunities for cooperation on homelessness.

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Why Join HABITACT?

  • HABITACT will aim to create effective means of tackling homelessness at local level through European policy exchanges.
  • HABITACT will pool expertise to allow for the joint development of common frameworks to address common challenges.
  • HABITACT will induce a learning process between local authorities based on a practitioner-focused approach to European exchanges.
  • HABITACT will aim to become a reputable source of expertise on local homeless strategies.