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 6 October 2010, the Committee of the Regions called on the European Commission and the European Council 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 December 2010 (which would replace the EU social protection and social inclusion strategy) should also offer more opportunities for cooperation on homelessness.

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Latest News

EP adopts Resolution on an EU Homelessness Strategy

Following an oral question for debate with the Commission, the European Parliament adopted a Resolution on an EU Homelessness Strategy (B7-0475/201) on 14 September 2011. The motion for the Resolution was presented by MEPs Karima Delli (France, Greens/EFA) and Pervenche Berès (France, S&D) on behalf of the EP Employment and Social Affairs Committee. The Resolution keeps up the momentum created by the cross-party Written Declaration on an EU Homelessness Strategy adopted in December 2010. It is a clear call on the European Commission to make ending homelessess a central goal and to develop a European framework for the fight against homelessness.