December Flash 2020
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Welcome back to the FEANTSA Flash, and Happy New Year!
As we all know, 2020 was a particularly eventful year (to say the least!) and we’re probably all glad it has come to an end. However, before we welcome a new year, let’s reflect on the developments in housing and homelessness that happened in December. Here at FEANTSA, we published reports on the situation of homeless migrant women in the EU, the renovation of energy inefficient homes and staffing homelessness services in Europe, among others. Homelessness was made a priority in REACT EU’s approach to the social impact of the pandemic – a crucial step to ensuring those experiencing homelessness are not left behind in the response. Also, FEANTSA joined over 30 other organisations in calling on governments to act immediately regarding the growing homelessness crisis.
As always, feel free to get in touch with any tips you may have for the next edition of the Flash.
FEANTSA News
FEANTSA and Housing Rights Watch submit contributions to the European Commission's consultation on Action Plan for European Pillar of Social Rights
FEANTSA has contributed to the European Commission’s consultation on its Action Plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights. In the submission, FEANTSA expresses its strong support for a European Collaboration Platform on Homelessness as a key element of the action plan. Such an initiative would be a new policy action at EU level to deliver progress on priority 19 of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
FEANTSA joins civil society organisations in open letter to Greek Government calling for support for refugees
This winter, and amid a global health pandemic, thousands of refugees face homelessness and destitution in Greece. FEANTSA joins 73 civil society organisations to call for the prevention of and intervention in evictions of refugees, a lasting strategy for social security and integration, including access to housing, and regular consultation and dialogue with civil society about integration.
FEANTSA provides input for EU visit of Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
The UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter, will examine the impact of the European Union’s policies on the eradication of poverty in the region during his unique fact-finding mission to the EU institutions beginning 25 November. In preparation De Schutter has met with many NGOS and other stakeholders, including FEANTSA, for input.
Comprehensive Model Emergency Legislation to protect right to housing
FEANTSA/Housing Rights Watch joins the Open Society Foundations, The Shift, the Centre for Housing Law, Rights and Policy NUIG, and a coalition of human rights groups in unveiling comprehensive model emergency legislation to protect the right to housing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis and an accompanying briefing paper. Through this legislation we are urging governments around the world to use the basic legal provisions outlined in the model legislation to prompt and guide the development of domestic laws to ensure access to housing for all.
Collective Complaint 191/2020, FEANTSA v. Czech Republic declared admissible
FEANTSA’s Collective Complaint against the Czech Republic concerning new rent legislation and absence social housing law has been declared admissible by the Committee of Social Rights of the Council of Europe. Decision expected in 2021.
FEANTSA Publications
Renovation: Staying on Top of the Wave
In October 2020, the European Commission launched its Renovation Wave Strategy, its plan to renovate public and private buildings across Europe to make then more energy efficient and ultimately contribute to its climate neutrality goal. While the strategy presents an opportunity to tackle the energy poverty which affects low-income households across Europe, it is not as ambitious on this front as it could be. In this report, ‘Renovation: Staying on Top of the Wave’, an analysis of past and existing renovation projects is undertaken, with the aim of identifying possible social risks that the Renovation Wave presents and outlining ways in which these risks can be mitigated.
Homelessness Among Migrant Women in the EU
Published at the conjunction of our campaign for 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and International Migrants Day, this timely report analyses the intersection between gender, migrant status and homelessness in the EU and pays particular attention to gender-based violence and employment among migrant women.
We have updated our country profiles!
The latest statistics for homelessness in Denmark and Sweden can now be found on our website.
New report on the impact of COVID 19 on homeless people’s access to health
“Left behind: voices of people excluded from universal healthcare coverage in Europe” is a compilation of testimonials from homeless people attended by Doctors of the World and FEANTSA member programmes. This report is complementary to the annual observatory from 2019 and provides policymakers at national and EU level with evidence from people excluded from mainstream healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report raises awareness about the importance of universal healthcare.
FEANTSA reacts to the EU’s 2021 Autumn Package
The Commission published its Autumn Package on the 18th November. Overall, the Commission’s vision for the Recovery seems more focused on growth, employment, the digital transition, and the Green Deal than on social rights.
The European Observatory on Homelessness publish 10th Comparative Study
Experts from 15 European countries have contributed to the study which deals with staffing homelessness services in Europe.
PRODEC Report: Intra-European Migrants and Homelessness in Brussels
After publishing an initial report, based on figures collected by DIOGENES street workers, in 2019, the PRODEC project now publishes its second report, dealing with the situation of homeless intra-European migrants in Brussels. The report can be found in FR and NL and will soon be available in English.
Member News
Launch of FACIAM’s Diversity and Homelessness guide
On 10th December Red FACIAM hosted a webinar to launch their guide on diversity and homelessness, which takes an intersectional approach to providing supports to those experiencing homelessness.
BAG W call for homeless people to be given access to testing, the ability to properly quarantine and vaccination
BAG W highlight the dangers that people experiencing homelessness face in terms of both winter and covid19. They urge the German municipalities to provide adequate accommodation to all those experiencing homelessness according to their individual needs as a matter of urgency. They also emphasise the need to place homeless people at the centre of the vaccine strategy.
Y Saatio and Helsinki Region Environmental Services develop a sustainable housing model
The model aims to promote ways in which housing can be made more sustainable in terms of energy, community, food consumption and more. There are two guidebooks: one geared towards residents and providers of subsidised housing and the other towards rental companies.
St. Mungo’s react to new ONS data on deaths among the homeless population
Figures on the deaths of homeless people in England and Wales in 2019 was released by the ONS on 14th of December. St. Mungo’s has reacted to the data, calling them “a tragedy” and “a stark reminder” of the risks posed by homelessness.
ARSIS study - Refugee accommodation program in the Aegean islands: challenges for local communities and civil society
On 21st of December, ARSIS launched their report on refugee accommodation in the Aegen island in a webinar.
Fédération Solidarité publish report on LGBTIQ homelessness
The report calls for training on sexual orientation, gender identity/expression (SOGIE), systems for collecting data on SOGIE (sensitively) and stronger ties between LGBTIQ and the homeless sector.
Partner News
Covid-19 screening bus
With the support of SCR Cocom, Bruss'Help and the homeless OST, the Belgian Red Cross is setting up a Covid screening bus from December 16, 2020. This Mobile Testing Team (MTT) will strengthen the existing devices of the Outbreak Support Team.
Global Homelessness Action: An Urgent Call for Governments to Secure Human Rights
FEANTSA partnered with 30+ organisations to call on governments to act immediately regarding the growing homelessness crisis. Sign the petition.
European and World News
Portuguese EU Presidency publish programme for 2021
The programme marks homelessness as a social policy priority, noting that “Particular attention should be paid to the establishment of a European cooperation platform to strengthen the EU’s role in the fight against homelessness.” A high-level conference on homelessness, during which the Platform will be launched, is programmed for 21st June in Lisbon.
European Council and the Parliament adopt REACT-EU funding programme
The programme will be operational from 1st January 2021. Through REACT-EU €47.5 billion will be made available through the ESF, ERDF and FEA to be spent in 2021, 2022, and 2023 (most will be allocated in 2021) to mitigate the social impact of the Covid crisis. Allocating funding for homelessness services through the ESF is a priority.
Member States must improve access to potable water for homeless people by 2023
A new EU Directive obliges Member States to improve and maintain access to drinking water for vulnerable groups including homeless people. The directive must be transposed into national legislation by 12/1/2021.
Commission calls on Member States to protect homeless people during winter months
In a communication published by the Commission, it is recommended that Member States develop winter plans which take into account the needs of vulnerable people including those experiencing homelessness.
Headlines
Half of homeless people in Brussels have been on the streets for at least two years
167 people in Brussels took part in the survey conducted by the campaign 400Daken, approximately half of whom had been on the street for at least two years. The majority were men between 46 and 59 years old. Almost a third of the participants have a chronic health problem and more than 30 percent are unable to meet their basic needs. Nieuwsblad reports.
Krakow funds LGBT shelter despite Polish government hostility
Krakow becomes the first city in Poland to grant public money to shelter for LGBT homeless in the face of hostile anti-LGBT climate, according to euronews. The shelter, run by "Glos Serca" ("The Voice of the Heart") since 2016, offers temporary accommodation and psychological counselling for up to 12 homeless LGBT people.
Croatia fails to rise to Covid-19 challenge for Zagreb homeless
Lack of accurate data on the number of people experiencing homelessness in Zagreb proved to be a challenge in providing shelter during the first wave. Additionally, when an earthquake and floods struck, the already precarious position of homeless people is Zagreb was worsened. Balkan Insight reports.
BBC report shows discrimination against people on benefits still rampant on rental platforms
A report by the BBC shows that UK landlords continue to exclude renters if they receive state benefits, in spite of this practice having been ruled discriminatory in court in July. Polly Neate, chief executive of FEANTSA member Shelter, has denounced this practice, stating, "Property portals should be reminding landlords and letting agents of their duty not to discriminate - they should not be contributing to the problem." BBC Reports.
Irish local authorities’ continued failure to supply accommodation to Traveller families
The failure of local authorities to build Traveller accommodation coupled with over-reliance on the private rental market to provide accommodation has resulted in a severe lack of adequate housing provision for Irish travellers. The Irish Examiner reports.
Evacuation of public spaces in Alicante
In Alicante, police have started evacuating public spaces where homeless people congregate, fining them for sleeping in public or offering goods or services. El Salto Diario reports.
Deaths among homeless population in England and Wales reach record high
An estimated 778 people died without a secure home in England and Wales last year, up seven per cent on the 726 people who lost their lives in 2018, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Big Issue reports.
Noticeboard
Peter McVerry Trust are recruiting a Head of Fundraising
The Peter McVerry Trust, based in Dublin, are seeking a Head of Fundraising to join their team. Applications must be submitted by January 11th.
