The partners of Project H:OUSE are taking concrete and coordinated action across five European countries to improve migrants’ housing conditions through community-based initiatives. Building on a joint needs assessment published earlier this year, the project partners are now moving from research to action, developing local solutions to help newly arrived migrants access decent housing in the context of Europe’s current housing crisis. Each participating country co-designed its activities through inclusive and participatory methods, involving NGOs, municipalities, and migrant communities. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the power of community engagement in fostering integrated and inclusive societies.
Country highlights
Italy
Refugees Welcome Italia, in partnership with the Municipality of Ravenna, is leading outreach campaigns to promote the SponsorHouse model. In Padua, Il Sestante is coordinating a series of small-scale community initiatives, such as food recovery networks, time banks, free local markets, informal solidarity services, language tandems, and neighborhood discussion groups.
Ireland
Doras is providing targeted support to existing Community Sponsorship (CS) Groups that are welcoming newly arrived families, helping to strengthen local capacity to receive and integrate refugees at the community level.
Slovenia
Led by ZRC SAZU, an Information Point for Newly Arrived Migrants is being established in Novo Mesto. The center will offer translation assistance, essential information, and mediation between migrants, employers, and public institutions, facilitating access to housing and employment.
Greece
Second Tree is organizing language classes, orientation workshops, and self-advocacy training for newly arrived refugees and those seeking accommodation after leaving refugee camps. These actions aim to empower refugees to navigate local systems independently and advocate for their rights.
Hungary
Volunteers from the Mira Intercultural Community are offering basic Hungarian language classes and personal guidance for newcomers, helping them address everyday challenges such as searching for an apartment, negotiating with landlords, and understanding local administrative processes.
About Project H:OUSE
Launched in March 2024, Project H:OUSE promotes the right to housing for migrants in the EU by advancing Community Sponsorship (CS) initiatives. This model connects citizens, businesses, and local organizations to provide practical and community-based support to newly arrived migrants. Community sponsorship has proven to complement the efforts of national and local governments in welcoming and integrating migrants. Through these new initiatives, the H:OUSE consortium aims to further demonstrate the effectiveness of community sponsorship in addressing housing challenges and revitalizing local neighborhoods.
“Through small-scale, grassroots initiatives such as food recovery networks, time banks, and free local markets, we have seen neighbors come together to share resources, support one another, and build trust,” said Pamela Mastrilli from Il Sestante. “We are not just creating programs—we are cultivating a culture of care, mutual aid, and environmental responsibility deeply rooted in the neighborhood.”
