The increasing trend of youth homelessness in Europe’s cities is a cause for concern, exacerbated by recent crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising living costs. City leaders are alarmed by the surge in youth homelessness, recognizing the need to break the cycle of chronic homelessness and invest in young people’s futures. To address this issue, city governments have implemented various initiatives, but acknowledge the need for collaboration at the EU, national, and local levels to develop strategic plans to end youth homelessness. Data from 29 European cities highlights substance misuse, health issues, domestic abuse, family breakdown, and trauma as key drivers of youth homelessness.
The impact of global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, job losses among young people, inflation, and unaffordable housing, has contributed to the escalating rates of youth homelessness. Young people facing homelessness may struggle to pay bills, rely on food aid, drop out of school, and face challenges in securing housing due to insufficient income. Despite these challenges, city governments are implementing innovative responses to support young people, such as increasing the availability of social and affordable housing, regulating the private housing market, and providing support through projects like Housing First and Youth Solidarity Income. City efforts are aimed at addressing both housing and employment issues for young people with limited resources.
While cities are making progress in addressing youth homelessness, lasting change can only be achieved through a strategic partnership involving all levels of government. This partnership must prioritize accessible funding for cities to implement effective local projects, prioritize affordable housing, mainstream the issue of homelessness in legislation related to education, migration, and health, and support affordable and social housing for young people. Cities’ involvement in the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness should be reinforced at the EU level, with a clear methodology for data collection on homelessness throughout Europe. A youth-focused approach should be integrated into all EU, national, and local homelessness strategies.
With the European elections on the horizon, there is an opportunity to review and improve EU policies to support young people at risk of homelessness. The next European institutions must give cities an active role in this process, strengthening their involvement to achieve the goal of ending youth homelessness by 2030. It is essential for national and EU strategies to prioritize affordable housing, increase funding for cities, and reflect the importance of homelessness in mainstream legislation. By working together in a strategic partnership, governments at all levels can make a lasting impact on the issue of youth homelessness in Europe.
