20-03-2025

A new study published by the H:OUSE Project, with the participation of the Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-Iscte), reveals that refugees and migrants across Europe face significant obstacles in accessing stable housing. Conducted in 6 countries - Italy, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia and Hungary - the study identified structural discrimination, bureaucratic obstacles, and limited access to information as significant challenges. With only around 50% of refugees and migrants worldwide living in decent housing conditions, the findings emphasise the urgent need for effective solutions.

‘We should all be working to make housing a right!’ [Aigul Hakimova, KD Gmajna and Infokolpa Initiative, Slovenia].

Community sponsorship as a solution

Since March 2024, the H:OUSE Project has been working to promote migrants' right to housing by supporting community sponsorship initiatives in participating countries. This approach brings together local citizens, businesses, and organisations to help newcomers through practical support and guidance.

Other initiatives have shown that community-led solutions can make a difference. In Portugal, the organisation ComUnidade guarantees accommodation and support for refugees for at least two years through community sponsorship. The Reconstruir Project in Tadim, Braga, is building six houses for migrant and refugee families. And the LAR project, near Guarda, has rehabilitated four vacant houses to take in refugees with the support of the community. These examples highlight the potential of community sponsorship to tackle housing challenges.
The study can be consulted at: https://house-project.org/pt-pt/investigacao/

For more information, visit https://house-project.org or contact Sandra Mateus (sandra.mateus@iscte-iul.pt, house.amifportugal@gmail.com).