Housing Europe French member, L’ Union Sociale pour l’ Habitat (USH) has launched today their campaign “Yes to Social Housing” (Oui au lodgement social) making the case for the key role of social housing on the political agenda ahead of the Presidential Election in spring.

Housing Europe Secretary General welcomed Evi Kaila, the representative of the former Greek member of the European Federation, OEK. Evi who now works for the Greek Ministry of Social Solidarity shared with Sorcha some of the latest political developments exploring ways of potential collaboration. At the same time, according to the latest figures, the construction activity in the country keeps falling, reaching a historical low point.

Hong Kong - the city in the southeast of China which is known for its wealth and its luxurious high-rises (high buildings) - has a chronic shortage of viable and affordable housing. Due to the extremely long waiting lists for social housing (15 years) more than 200.000 underprivileged are forced to rent on the private market. The largest share of the private rental market is not affordable, though, and the average cost of housing eats up more than 50% of people’s disposable income contributing to rising poverty. The living conditions in the cubic units are inhumane.