Pathways to Social Inclusion
Housing & Migration - A Research Briefing by the Housing Europe Observatory
Brussels, 7 September 2018 | Published in Research
The Observatory of Housing Europe presents volume 2 of the series 'Housing in the post-2020 EU'. The edition is dedicated to housing and migration and is produced within the framework of the Erasmus+ Designing Inclusion project.
Abstract
In recent years, Europe has seen a large influx of forced migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. As large-scale migration towards and within Europe is becoming a norm, cities, local government and relevant stakeholders like providers of social and affordable housing in many countries are already offering solutions towards the welcoming and inclusion of refugees.
The European Commission Action Plan on Integration of Third Country Nationals highlights “access to adequate and affordable housing is crucial for third-country nationals”, however, this has proven to be one of the most complex issues for newcomers, especially in the context of tight housing markets and increasing house prices. Moreover, beyond providing accommodation, part of the daily job of social housing providers is to understand tenants’ needs and offer early support: from employment and skills training to advice and care provision, in cooperation with a range of stakeholders. This can contribute to inclusion and benefit the local community overall. This briefing seeks to answer the following questions: What are the most successful examples in this field and how can they be supported? What level of partnership and cooperation is required between providers of different services? What are the necessary elements of meaningful inclusion?
Edited by Mariel Whelan, Research Assistant and Alice Pittini, Housing Europe Research Coordinator
Annex | Overview of current European policy framework, funding and initiatives regarding migration and (urban) accommodation
By Mariel Whelan, Housing Europe Research Assistant
As large-scale migration towards and within Europe becomes a norm, new housing approaches are needed, especially in the context of an already stagnant housing stock and existing housing issues e.g. increasing homelessness, rising prices. Cities have been at the forefront of welcoming newly arrived refugees, where creative strategies are deployed to provide emergency accommodation. However, what is now necessary is a long-term vision of housing provision and community-building towards meaningful social inclusion. Certain EU tools and mechanisms exist with which to aid this.
Download the Annex as a separate file below
