The H:OUSE Project (Housing: to Overcome Unstable Situations in Europe) has just published a leaflet setting out the findings and policy recommendations from its most recent local initiatives. Co-funded by the European Union’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), the project focuses on developing structured responses led by civil society in five countries: Italy, Greece, Ireland, Hungary and Slovenia.
CIES-Iscte is part of the international partnership for this project, which analyses the impact of community sponsorship — a model in which citizens, associations and local businesses share responsibility for integration, facilitating access to decent housing, employment and self-reliance.
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Social innovation in five countries
The document details the pilot projects that have demonstrated how local innovation can accelerate migrants’ autonomy:
Housing and Co-housing: Affordable housing agencies in Padua and municipal co-housing models in Ravenna (Italy).
Empowerment and Self-Reliance: Self-advocacy and personal finance programmes in Ioannina (Greece), alongside the development of community support networks in Tipperary and Galway (Ireland).
Cultural Bridges: Language classes and intercultural dinners in Hungary, as well as information points for the diaspora and conversation clubs in Slovenia.
The Future of Reception Policies
Rather than simply compiling success stories, the leaflet sets out a strategic roadmap for policy-makers. Among its recommendations, the consortium urges Member States to establish clear legal frameworks for community sponsorship and calls on the European Union to set common minimum standards and strengthen AMIF funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of these networks.
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About the project
The H:OUSE Project is funded by the European Union and is a collaboration between research centers, a municipality, and NGOs from six European countries. While most of these organizations have extensive experience working with refugees and migrants, Community Sponsorship has not yet been implemented in these countries. The exception is Dora’s from Ireland, whose successful experience with Community Sponsorship will be instrumental in guiding the project’s development.
