Innsbruck has homeless people: EU project against homelessness!

Innsbruck has homeless people: EU project against homelessness!

Innsbruck, Österreich - Innsbruck sets a strong sign in the fight against home and homelessness. The city participates in the EU project , which is aimed at the homelessness in any to fight by 2030. Vice mayor Georg Willi emphasizes the importance of reliable data in order to be able to develop targeted auxiliary strategies. The counting method that is to establish itself throughout Europe was tested in 15 cities last year and will be extended to 35 cities in 21 countries in 2023.

The scientific direction of the project in Innsbruck takes over Philipp Schnell from the Austrian Academy of Sciences. In October 2023, local social services, emergency accommodations and street workers become active to collect information about the situation of homeless people. The aim is to achieve as many affected people as possible and, by means of anonymous questionnaires, in six categories - from homeless to temporarily accommodated. This happens under the "Housing first" principle , which focuses on apartment intermediate and an independent life.

human rights for homeless people

Innsbruck goes one step further: The city government has signed the "Homeless bill of rights" . This declaration strengthens human rights of homeless people and builds on European and international human rights legislation. Willi emphasizes the relevance of this signing for the protection of essential rights such as access to living space, health care and social participation.

The entire project does not cost the city of Innsbruck at no cost because the EU finances participation in the research project. The city senate unanimously voted for the signing of a “letter of commitment”, which shows how serious the city is to combat homelessness.

EU requirements and the current reality

The Innsbruck initiative is part of a larger European context, because over 700,000 people live homeless in Europe - an increase in terrifying 70 percent within a decade. The European Parliament has recognized this and demands that homelessness will be completely eliminated by 2030. The necessary measures include better monitoring of the homeless statistics and an EU framework for national strategies.

The causes of this development are complex: The greatest challenges include higher housing costs, economic crises and a lack of social protection, reinforced by the COVID 19 crisis. An apartment is and remains a fundamental human right. It is time to raise visibility and awareness of the reality of homelessness.

With projects such as "City Count Homelessness" and the "Homeless Bill of Rights", Innsbruck would like to strengthen data -based measures for a sustainable solution and the rights of the most affected people. There is undoubtedly a lot of potential for a positive turn in the city!