National strategies to fight homelessness and housing exclusion Albania

The document titled “Homelessness and Housing Exclusion” by the European Social Policy Network (ESPN) provides an in-depth examination of the increasing challenges related to homelessness and housing exclusion (HHE) across Europe. It highlights the urgent need for integrated strategies to combat these issues, which have become more pronounced in recent years.

Overview of Homelessness Trends

The report indicates that homelessness has risen in 24 out of 28 EU countries over the past decade. Despite this alarming trend, comprehensive data on homelessness remains scarce due to inconsistent definitions and reporting practices across nations. Finland is noted as a positive exception, having successfully reduced homelessness significantly over the last two decades. The profiles of homeless individuals typically include a majority of working-age men, but there is a concerning rise in both younger and older populations experiencing homelessness. Women and children often remain underreported as they tend to seek informal living arrangements, which are not always captured in official statistics.

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to the rise in HHE, including long-standing issues within housing markets such as soaring rental prices, increased insecurity of tenure, and a rise in evictions. While many countries are implementing integrated strategic responses to HHE, evidence regarding their effectiveness is limited. The report also highlights a growing trend towards housing-led services, particularly the “Housing First” model, which prioritizes providing stable housing before addressing other issues.

Recommendations for Action

To effectively combat homelessness and housing exclusion, the report advocates for enhanced policy actions at both European and national levels. Key recommendations include:

1. Improved Data Collection: Establishing consistent definitions and comprehensive data collection methods to better understand the scale and nature of HHE.
2. Integrated Strategies: Developing holistic approaches that combine housing solutions with social support services to address the root causes of homelessness.
3. Evaluation Mechanisms: Implementing robust evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of existing programs and strategies aimed at reducing HHE.
4. Focus on Prevention: Prioritizing preventive measures to stop individuals from becoming homeless in the first place, such as rent subsidies and legal protections against eviction.
5. Support for Housing-Led Initiatives: Expanding successful models like Housing First to ensure that they reach all segments of the homeless population.

Conclusion

The ESPN report underscores that homelessness and housing exclusion are critical social issues requiring immediate attention from policymakers across Europe. By addressing the underlying causes of these challenges through coordinated efforts and evidence-based strategies, stakeholders can work towards creating inclusive communities where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. The recommendations provided aim to foster a more effective response to HHE, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of social inclusion and equality within European societies.