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Monitoring Homelessness in Greece - room ATLAS 1

The working space Monitoring Homelessness in Greece aims to facilitate a focused discussion among municipalities, experts, and relevant stakeholders on improving the collection, evaluation, and harmonization of data concerning homelessness in Greece. This initiative seeks to identify existing gaps, explore good practices, and promote better methodologies for monitoring homelessness at the local and national levels.

Speaker: 

KEDE. Academic Expert. 

Meet the Housing First Europe Hub - room ATLAS 2

This session provides an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Housing First Europe Hub, including its research, capacity-building, and training activities. Participants will also receive updates on the state of Housing First across Europe and have the chance to exchange experiences and best practices. The session is designed as a networking opportunity for Hub partners and associates, and all newcomers – those interested in Housing First and the Housing First Europe Hub are very welcome to join. Registration is required. 

Speaker: 

Kjell LARSSON – City Mission (SE)

Turning Pics d'Or into a European Event -  room COSMOS

Join us for an open working session dedicated to expanding “Les Pics d’Or” into a European event. This initiative from FAP aims to highlight and satirise hostile urban measures that marginalise the homeless. With the presence of Sarah Coupechoux, a representative from the organisation, we will explore strategies to engage participants and audiences from across Europe, fostering a more inclusive and widespread impact.

FEANTSA Youth Network Meeting - room EUROPE A

This will be a space to take stock of FEANTSA's work on youth homelessness and discuss current and future priorities. We will also explore how the FEANTSA Youth network should work, in both contents and processes.

EPOCH Practice - room EUROPE B

EPOCH Practice, co-financed by the European Commission,

and implemented by FEANTSA, aims to strengthen mutual learning and

capacity building on homelessness through webinars, training sessions, study visits,

research, and other dissemination tools for representatives from EU Member States in

charge of national homelessness policies. This session presents the past 18 months of Epoch Practice activities, and allows interested stakeholders to engage directly with the project team. All welcome.

I won't attend any of these Working Spaces.  Please note that only if you select 'I won't attend any of these Working Spaces' in both time slots, the Study visits will become available.

Presentation COMHOM Project - room ATLAS 1

Launched in January 2025, COMHOM is a three-year initiative funded by the European Social Fund Plus.  It focuses on transforming the way homelessness is tackled by leveraging data, digital tools, and a standardised monitoring and evaluation framework. By addressing the fragmentation of homelessness services and fostering collaboration, COMHOM aims to set new benchmarks for efficiency, innovation, and effectiveness. Project coordinators Sant Joan de Déu Serveis Socials Barcelona will present COMHOM and explain how organisations across Europe can engage with it.

Speaker: 

Juan Manuel RODILLA - Sant Joan de Déu (ES)

Counting Project Sharing Results - room ATLAS 2

The EU Homelessness Counts Project, funded by the EU Commission, was launched to harmonise data collection on homelessness across Europe. The project aims to create a shared approach using the ETHOS Light framework, helping cities adopt common definitions and methodologies to improve the accuracy and comparability of homelessness counts.In 2024, the first project year, 15 cities across Europe participated in the project, laying the groundwork for a more unified data collection process. 

This session will present key findings from the first year of data collection, sharing insights into challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, or practitioner, we invite you to join the discussion and learn how this initiative is shaping the future of homelessness data in Europe.

INTERACT PROJECT - room OLYMPIA

INTERACT is a three-year initiative funded by the European Social Fund Plus. It addresses the complex challenges faced by women experiencing homelessness, focusing on intimate partner violence, substance use, and mental health issues. With a transnational consortium of organisations from Greece, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Iceland, and Romania, the project offers tailored, trauma-informed support, empowering women to find a way out of homelessness. 

A look into long-term housing solutions for migrants  - room COSMOS

This session will bring together stakeholders who work to empower migrant communities, including asylum seekers and refugees, to access long-term safe and affordable housing solutions. We will explore lessons learned, causes of homelessness among migrants and facilitate discussions about long term solutions, including how/if we can work with Housing First for migrants.

Conférence gesticulée -  room ORION

Laurent d’Ursel presents his dynamic conference on ending homelessness at the FEANTSA Forum. A dynamic conference is a tool for popular education developed by French activist Franck Lepage. It combines the forms of lecture, theatrical monologue and stand up.  This dynamic conference draws on work with a group of homeless activists in Brussels (Le Syndicat des immenses), as well as Laurent’s experience as an artist, activist, founder of an NGO, and landlord in Brussels. It shows in an engaging and amusing way that ending homelessness is technically possible, humanely desirable, and financially viable. By making these facts more widely known, societally convincing and politically engaging, the conference aims to contribute to a collective societal decision to end homelessness. 

Speaker:

Laurent d'Ursel

THE ROLE OF REAL-TIME DATA IN ENDING HOMELESSNESS – NORDIC INSIGHTS - room EUROPE B

Accurate and timely data is essential for designing effective homelessness policies and strategies. Traditional data collection methods, such as point-in time counts, provide valuable insights but often fail to capture the dynamic nature of homelessness. This session explores how real-time data systems, such as By-Name Lists and local dashboards with aggregated data, can enhance service coordination, support early intervention, and strengthen long-term prevention strategies. Building on recent OECD research and experiences from Nordic countries, we will discuss both the opportunities and challenges of integrating real-time data into policy and practice. The session will highlight key lessons from different national and local approaches, providing insights into how data-driven strategies can accelerate progress towards reducing and ultimately ending homelessness. Join us to explore how innovative data solutions can drive systemic change and improve homelessness responses at all levels.

I won't attend any of these Working Spaces.  Please note that only if you select 'I won't attend any of these Working Spaces' in both time slots, the Study visits will become available.

I won't attend this Study visit

A Step Forward - Reception Center for Asylum Seekers, Vulnerable Women and Mothers with Children  organised by Doctors of the World Greece

The project is aiming to protect & support women & their children during the asylum application process & to quickly find sustainable solutions for their normal life in the country. The Open Accomodation Center operates by offering all the necessary services to women and their children according to their special needs, in order to utilize their time spent in the Open Center.

Please contact them by mail to choose a slot (12 p/group)

14:00-15:30h or 15:30 - 17:00h

emilios.klimis@mdmgreece.gr /anastasios.yfantis@mdmgreece.gr

https://astepforward.mdmgreece.gr/en/the-project/

Community Meal Program & Homeless Theatre Group by Equal Society, 

A non-profit organization promoting equality, social inclusion, & human rights. It implements programs to combat poverty and social exclusion for vulnerable groups.

After 16:00h  - contact info@equalsociety.gr for information and signing up.

ECHO100PLus

A registered Austrian charity, founded in 2012 by a group of Austrian friends with strong ties to Greece, who took action because of the intensity of the economic & social crisis in the country. They currently provide professional training.

15:00 - 17:00h - Contact:  office@echo100plus.com

Greek Council for Refugees (Elliniko Symvoulio gia tous Prosfyges)

It provides legal & social assistance to refugees & asylum seekers in Greece. It aims to defend the rights of refugees & support their integration into Greek society.

Time slots: 

15:00 - 17:00

17:00 - 19:00

max 15 people per group

Contact: myonous@gmail.com

https://gcr.gr/el/

Ithaca mobile laundry unit

It operates a mobile laundry service for the homeless population in Athens and Piraeus, restoring dignity to homeless individuals by providing them with clean clothes and promoting social inclusion.

Contact: info@ithacalaundry.gr /211 0016043 /t.repouskos@ithacalaundry.gr - 6981226909

https://ithacalaundry.gr/ithaca/schetika-me-emas/

KATHODON (KATHODON) thrift store & more 

On the Way” is a Christian, non-profit organization focusing on love, respect. It has open arms for every homeless person.

2 time slots (10 p/each):

15:00 - 17:00h

17:00 - 19:00h

contact@ontheway.gr / 2100105179 /6976971383

MAZI Housing (MAZI Housing offices)

Mazí exists to end homelessness and social exclusion for people who have experienced displacement in Athens. They support young men to move from living on the streets, in camps or in precarious housing into long-term independent housing. Working with our talented team and expert partners, they gather the practical tools and soft skills to pave their own way to self-reliance.

2 time slots (12-15 per group):

15:00 - 17:00h

17:00 - 19:00h

Contact: milo@mazihousing.org

/ lara@mazihousing.org /milo@mazihousing.org / 6946300215

NOSTOS Organization for Social Integration is a not-for-profit Civil Society Organization aiming at alleviating the effects of social exclusion and unemployment felt by several socially vulnerable groups. The target is to incorporate those facing difficulties into the social web and the labor market. This is achieved by the provision of a multiplicity of services and activities of social and educational character.



2 time slots (10-12 Per group)

15:00 - 17:00h

17:00 - 19:00h

Contact: andritsopoulouc@nostos.org.gr / info@nostos.org.gr

Open Day organised by OKANA

The Open Day Centre for the Homeless is a newly established structure of Okana that operates in cooperation with the Municipality of Athens and provides an integrated range of services, which ensures the protection of Public Health in the wider area of the Athens city centre.



It is addressed to people addicted to psychoactive substances, or who display other types of addictive behaviours or addictions with a lack of stable housing, who constitute the most vulnerable and burdened group of the target population.

2 time slots (15 Per group)

15:00 - 17:00h

17:00 - 19:00h

contact: epanagiotou@okana.gr

https://www.okana.gr/el/services/meiosi-blabis/anoihto-kentro-imeras-astegon-ypnotirio

Shedia Cafe (small restaurant & coffee place)

A social enterprise that employs homeless individuals, providing them with job opportunities & a pathway to social reintegration. The cafe also serves as a community space raising awareness about homelessness & social exclusion.

2 time slots (35 per group):

15:00 - 17:00h

17:00 - 19:00h

Contact: f.lavdas@shedia.gr /210 331 6849

https://shediahome.gr/

Athens Solidarity Center (Kentro Allilegiis Athina) organised by Solidarity Now 

It supports vulnerable groups, including refugees, migrants, & Greeks affected by the economic crisis. It provides services such as legal aid, psychosocial support, & educational programs to promote social inclusion & cohesion.

15:00 - 17:00h

Contact: info@solidaritynow.org

/ gspyropoulou@solidaritynow.org / athens@solidaritynow.org

Workshop: Next Steps in Housing First – Building National and Local Partnerships - room ATLAS 1  

Workshop: Ending migrants' homelessness in an increasingly hostile environment  - room ATLAS 2 

Homelessness among migrants is rising across Europe, driven by restrictive migration policies that worsen destitution and create a hostile environment for exiled people and support organisations. This workshop will explore strategies and collaborative approaches to advocate for and support displaced individuals in securing stable housing and fostering inclusive communities. 

Speakers: 

Rick Henderson, Homeless Link, UK 

Heracles Moskoff, Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Greece 

Yonous  Muhammadi, Greek Forum of Refugees, Greece 

Marthe Yonh, Cités Caritas, France 

I won't attend any of the workshops. 

SEMINAR: Harm reduction, substance use and homelessness: from theory to practice - room OLYMPIA 

The relation between substance use and homelessness is complex and deeply interconnected. Harm reduction strategies are crucial in addressing the rights and well-being of people experiencing homelessness who use drugs. This seminar will examine the state of harm reduction in Europe before shifting to a more practical perspective, addressing key challenges and future direction.  

Speakers: 

Joana Moura, C-EHRN, The Netherlands 

Martinho Dias, Crescer Na Maior, Portugal 

Malu Salazar, De Regenboog Groep, The Netherlands 

SEMINAR: Challenges of Public Procurement for Homeless Services: Are there lessons from Ireland? - room COSMOS

The way homeless services are procured is an important factor in how they are designed and delivered. In this seminar, we will explore how the tendering process for homelessness services in Ireland shapes outcomes.  We will then look at what the relevant EU rules on public procurement of social services are, and how they can best be applied to protect and promote quality. The seminar is both an opportunity to recognise challenges and to learn about inspiring practice.   

Speakers: 

Mike Allen, Focus Ireland, Ireland 

Mathias Maucher, Social Services Europe, Belgium  

SEMINAR: Lives on the margins: exploring the connection between homelessness and sex work - room EUROPE A

The access to safe, stable housing is often very difficult for sex workers, and homelessness is or has been a reality for many. Speakers will explore what this means in practice and what solutions could look like for sex workers facing homelessness. 

Speakers: 

Sabrina Sanchez, ESWA - European Sex Worker Rights Alliance, The Netherlands 

Mauro Striano, Alias Brussels, Belgium 

SEMINAR:Well-being of staff: an urgent concern for the homeless sector - EUROPE B

Supporting staff wellbeing is essential for delivering effective, relationship-based services for people experiencing homelessness. However, many homelessness services lack a proactive approach to staff mental health and wellbeing support. In this session, we will explore practical strategies for both organisations and staff to promote wellbeing.  We will highlight the findings of a recent membership study in this area and showcase a best practice from a Housing First program in Dublin.  

Speakers: 

Gerard Spillane, Focus Ireland, Ireland 

CONVERSATION: Does EU action on homelessness matter? (Q & A) - room ORION

The session will allow participants to question Katarina Ivankovic-Knezevic, who is the driving force behind the EU work on homelessness, about the current and future role of the EU in the fight against homelessness. There will be space for both policy related questions and practical questions related to funding and learning opportunities.

Speakers: 

Katarina Knezevic Ivankovic, EU Commission (TBC)  

I won't attend any of these Seminars or 'In Conversation with'

SEMINAR: Making sense of EU data on homelessness -  room OLYMPIA

Despite substantial progress in the measurement and operationalisation of homelessness, challenges remain in producing reliable, comparable, and context-sensitive data. This seminar will examine recent European level data sources on homelessness from national governments, the 2021 Population and Housing Census, and retrospective accounts from the EU-SILC Housing Difficulties module. We will highlight both meaningful advancements and persistent gaps in homelessness data and discuss some of the new insights regarding prevalence and distribution of homelessness across Europe. 

Speakers: 

Dora Welker, FEANTSA 

Freek Spinnewijn, FEANTSA 

SEMINAR:Vacant buildings: under-exploited potential to house homeless people - room COSMOS

This seminar will explore the unused potential of vacant spaces across Europe as a sustainable and innovative solution to address the growing housing and homelessness crises. Drawing from a comprehensive report, case studies and on-site experiences, speakers will discuss the current state of vacant properties and assess their potential for transformation into affordable, adequate and much needed housing.  

Speakers: 

Charifa Mahamoud, FEANTSA  

Dimitra Siatitsa, University of Athens, Greece 

Meriç Özgünes, Social Rental Agency of the Major Development Agency of Thessaloniki, Greece 

SEMINAR: Collective complaints in  action: Turning legal victories into advocacy tools. - room EUROPE A

This seminar will examine how collective complaints under the European Social Charter can be transformed from legal victories into powerful advocacy tools. It will showcase practical strategies for leveraging legal decisions to influence policy, raise public awareness, and enhance the protection of vulnerable groups, with a focus on the Woonzaak case and FEANTSA v. Belgium complaint. 

Speakers: 

Joy Verstichele, Vlaams Huurdersplatform, Belgium 

Maria Jose Aldanas, FEANTSA, Belgium 

SEMINAR:Prevalence and impact of violence on health of people experiencing homelessness - room EUROPE B

People experiencing homelessness report high rates of violence—including experiences of both physical and sexual assault.  This seminar will examine data from several primary data collection projects from California, the United States, that collected robust survey and qualitative data on the experience of violence.  We will discuss findings from the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness, a large representative study of adult homelessness in California and from the HOPE HOME study, a longitudinal study of older homeless adults.  We will discuss findings and implications for research and practice in Europe.  In addition to findings, we will discuss challenges with collecting these data, including best practices to avoid retraumatizing people and secondary trauma amongst those who collect the data.  

Speakers: 

Margot Kushel, University of California, USA 

CONVERSATION:Free movement & homelessness: what can the EU do? - room  ORION

After 20 years of the Free Movement Directive being approved, intra-EU migrants make up a significant number of the homeless population in the largest cities of Western and Northern Europe. Annie Berendsen and Marit Nybo will discuss homeless EU citizens' access to social support and will shed light on the role the EU has or should have in supporting this particular group. 

Speakers: 

Annie Berendsen, De Regenboog Groep, The Netherlands 

I won't attend any of these Seminars or 'In Conversation with'

WORKSHOP: Homeless policies under right-wing populist governments: strategies for the homeless sector  - room ATLAS 1

Speakers:

Boroka Feher BMSZKI , Hungary 

Jules van Dam ,Valente, Netherlands)

Juha Kahila, Y-Saatio, Finland

Lucia Fiorillo,  fio.PSD, Italy (TBC)

WORKSHOP: Creating Safe Spaces: What works and why for Women-Only Homelessness Services - room ATLAS 2 

This interactive workshop will explore what works and why in women-only homelessness services. We will explore the gender specific risks and needs of women experiencing homelessness and how women-only services can address them. Through the examples of two women-only day centres from Lyon and Glasgow, we will share key challenges and lessons learnt from setting up and running women-only safe spaces for women experiencing homelessness. 

Speakers: 

Anne Kahlhoven, Au Tambour!, France 

I won't attend any of the workshops

SEMINAR: Homelessness in England: How did we get here? - room OLYMPIA

Twenty years ago, the UK’s homelessness policies were seen as an example to follow.  Recently, the Financial Times called Britain the “world’s worst” performer on homelessness. This seminar will explore how this happened, and what’s needed to turn the tide. 

Speakers: 

Matthew Downie, Crisis UK, UK 

SEMINAR:Helping homeless service providers use energy saving opportunities: some  examples From Europe  - room COSMOS

Many buildings used by homeless service providers are inefficient, resulting in high energy costs and discomfort for staff and clients. Renovations can cut expenses, improve services, and create more welcoming and dignified spaces. While the EU promotes upgrading the least-performing buildings, funding gaps, administrative hurdles, and technical constraints often stand in the way. 

In this session, we will explore key renovation challenges through research from Poland and Hungary and explore a promising example from Lithuania. Join us to discuss practical solutions for energy-efficient, high-quality spaces in homeless services. 

Speakers: 

Jakub Wilczek, Ogólnopolska Federacja na rzecz Rozwiązywania Problemu Bezdomności, Poland 

Bernadett Horváth-Takács , Hajléktalanokért Közalapítvány/Public Foundation for the Homeless, Hungary 

Aida  Karčiauskienė, Caritas Lithuania, Lithuania 

SEMINAR:Tackling homelessness in Greece: hope and progress in times of austerity - room EUROPE A

Despite economic hardship and austerity measures, Greece has actively worked to address homelessness. This workshop will explore the evolving landscape of homelessness in the country, focusing on key challenges, good practices, and forward-looking solutions. Experts, policymakers, and practitioners will share insights on how housing-led approaches, emergency support services, and inclusive social policies could be integrated to provide more effective support for people experiencing homelessness. 

Speakers: 

TBC

SEMINAR: Participation of people experiencing homelessness: examples of what works - how to become a peer worker - room EUROPE B

This seminar will explore the diverse pathways to becoming a peer worker, featuring three speakers who will share their personal experiences. The discussion will address key questions, including what peer work means to them, why they chose this path, and how they navigated the process despite the lack of formal recognition in many countries. The session will also examine the challenges and gaps that persist in establishing peer work as a recognised profession. 

Speakers: 

Khadim Diagne, Fondazione Casa della Caritá, Italy 

Tii Juden, No Fixed Abode, Finland 

Arvi Kestilä, Saatenkari, Finland 

I won't attend any of these Seminars or 'In Conversation with'

SEMINAR: Art and Homelessness: Creativity for Social Impact - room  EUROPE A

This session will explore the transformative power of art in addressing homelessness and the positive social change it can foster. David, an internationally acclaimed artist and activist, will share insights into the One Festival of Homeless Arts, which showcases powerful works by artists who have experienced homelessness. Sarah will present the C'est Pas Du Luxe festival, which fosters artistic collaboration between marginalised communities, professional artists, and cultural organisations. Together, they will discuss how creativity can amplify voices and create meaningful social connections for those facing homelessness. 

Speakers: 

Sarah Coupechoux, FAP, France 

David Tovey, One Festival of Homeless Arts, UK 

SEMINAR: Access to adequate housing for LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers - room EUROPE B

LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers arriving in Europe may be confronted with specific challenges. For example, collective accommodation may expose them to more discrimination and violence. In this seminar, we'll learn about what adequate accommodation means for LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and how to provide it. 

Speakers: 

Chrysoula Andritsopoulou, NOSTOS, Greece 

Anastasia Papanastasiou, UNHCR, Greece

Homeless first! Prioritising Homeless People in Social Housing Allocation - room OLYMPIA

Social housing is one of the most important resources to respond to homelessness and housing exclusion, but due to local allocation systems this can be challenging in practice. This seminar will discuss proposals and mechanisms to prioritise people experiencing homelessness in access to social housing. 

Speakers: 

Emma Byrne, Focus Ireland, Ireland 

Tom Pedersen Rønning, Odense Municipality, Denmark

SEMINAR: Breaking the cycle of invisibility: honouring people who died homeless - room COSMOS

This seminar will highlight initiatives aimed at making visible the lives of people who die homeless in the streets, shelters, hospitals... By honouring their memory, the speakers work to prevent and address these tragedies while advocating for a shared ambition of European collaboration. 

Speakers: 

Gill Taylor, Museum Of Homelessness, UK 

Adèle Lenormand, Collectif Morts de la Rue France, France 

CONVERSATION:Homelessness among asylum seekers in Brussels – a 'reception crisis' or a structural denial of rights? - room ORION

Since 2021, Brussels has experienced a persisting absence of reception for applicants for international protection. Referred to as a ‘reception crisis’, this reflects a deeper, structural denial of fundamental rights. The director of the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers takes the hot seat to reflect on what led to this situation, systemic barriers faced by applicants, policy shortcomings, and pathways to ensure dignified reception conditions. 

Speakers: 

Pieter Spinnewijn, FEDASIL, Belgium 

I won't attend any of these Seminars or 'In Conversation with'