FEANTSA reacts to the announcement of the European Platform on Combating Homelessness

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On 15 March, during the videoconference of Ministers of the Employment and Social Policy, Portuguese Minister for Employment, Solidarity, and Social Security Ana Mendes Godinho and European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit presented the upcoming European Platform on Combating Homelessness. Commissioner Schmit emphasised that homelessness has been gaining attention on the EU political agenda and is in fact an issue in practically all our Member States. Ending homelessness requires resolute action and cooperation of all interested stakeholders. Minister Godinho also highlighted the need to work together with civil society, social service providers and other stakeholders to have integrated strategies in place for tackling homelessness. To this end, they are inviting ministers to sign a joint declaration and support the launch of the Platform.

In reaction to this announcement, Kjell Larsson, FEANTSA President wrote:

We welcome the progress at EU level dedicated to the fight against homelessness, in particular the recent explicit dedication to step up collaborative action. FEANTSA, the only European NGO focusing exclusively on the fight against homelessness, has been promoting the cause for over 30 years, therefore shares the vision of the Portuguese Presidency and the Commissioner. We are committed to help make this Platform meaningful and mobilise our network of over 115 members in 28 countries, and expertise to realise these joint efforts.

Background:

The European Platform on Combating Homelessness featured in the Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights presented by the European Commission on 4 March. The high-level conference planned by the Portuguese EU Presidency for 21 June 2021 will launch the initiative and provide occasion for ministers to sign a political declaration on homelessness. FEANTSA’s Ending Homelessness Awards 2021 ceremony will take place during the conference.