The European network of coalitions to end youth homelessness
Overview
This is an informal group of coalitions present in several European countries, which share the mission of putting an end to youth homelessness in their respective contexts. These coalitions gather different actors which have an important role in preventing and addressing youth homelessness, going beyond service providers for people in homelessness. They are inspired by the successful example of ‘A Way Home / Vers un chez-soi Canada’, launched in 2015.
The network serves as a platform to exchange information on youth homelessness in different European countries, learn from good practices implemented in other countries, or discuss about common challenges to end youth homelessness in Europe. The members of this network typically meet once a year in person, during FEANTSA Forum, and in ad hoc online meetings throughout the year until the next Forum.
Current members of the European network of coalitions to end youth homelessness:
- Irish Coalition to End Youth Homelessness. Established in 2017, it aims to put the issue of youth homelessness on the agenda, to highlight collective solutions and to encourage collaboration between the different coalition members.
- A Way Home Scotland is a coalition of individuals, organisations and authorities dedicated to ending youth homelessness in Scotland. We know that youth homelessness is not just a housing issue, and we support individuals and organisations from across sectors to address youth homelessness in their area. Our focus is prevention, partnership and innovation which we achieve by working together, sharing best practice, influencing decision-makers and shaping policy. We inspire and facilitate change by promoting and developing preventative strategies to end youth homelessness at local and national levels.
- End Youth Homelessness Cymru. Launched in 2017, the coalition aims to create the systemic and cultural change necessary to prevent and end youth homelessness in Wales, by building a national movement and working with partners.
- A Way Home Flanders. Coordinated by ‘Opgroeien’, the government agency to support children, young people and their families, it gathers 14 different local coalitions working across Flanders to end youth homelessness.
- Hjem til Alle (Home for All) is an alliance of 24 partners working across Denmark to ensure that all young people have access to housing, support, and strong social networks. The alliance works to drive systemic change in Denmark’s homelessness system through public affairs initiatives and demonstration projects, etc.