European study highlights housing crisis for migrants across Europe

A new study published by the H:OUSE Project (Housing to Overcome Unstable Situations in Europe) reveals that refugees and migrants across Europe face major obstacles in securing stable housing. Conducted across six countries — Italy, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Hungary — the research identifies structural discrimination, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited access to information as significant challenges. The research also indicates that only about 50% of refugees and migrants globally have access to adequate housing, emphasising the urgent need for effective solutions. 

Doras, the Limerick-based organisation supporting migrant and refugee rights, leads the Irish arm of the Project and has contributed to the research with a report about the housing situation in Ireland and how the diaspora community have managed to address the issue.  

To address these challenges, the H:OUSE Project promotes community sponsorship as a proven strategy. 

Community Sponsorship as a solution 

Launched in March 2024, the H:OUSE Project works to promote migrants' right to housing across the EU by supporting community sponsorship initiatives in participating countries. This approach connects local citizens, businesses, and organisations to help newcomers with practical support and guidance. 

Local initiatives have shown that community-led solutions can make a difference in addressing housing challenges. In Ireland, Doras and other organisations are part of a national consortium led by the Irish Red Cross to deliver community sponsorship and support local groups across the country in their efforts to resettle refugee families. 

John Lannon, Doras’ CEO said, “Ireland has many years of experience successfully implementing a community-led model of resettling refugees. Through this model, private citizens and community groups, rather than government officials, become the face of welcome for resettled refugees, supporting them through the process by providing a range of social and emotional supports. 

“The research underscored the similar challenges across the six European countries that people from a migrant and refugee background encounter when accessing housing. These are economic barriers, language difficulties, discrimination, and housing shortages.” 

He continued, “We are excited to share the Irish experience with our European partners in the H:OUSE Project and help expand Community Sponsorship far and wide. Next week, Doras is hosting a seminar for stakeholders who are interested in Community Sponsorship. Those interested can email us at cs@doras.org.” 

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The H:OUSE research can be found at  https://house-project.org/research/ 

Community Sponsorship Ireland is a national consortium between Doras, the Irish Refugee Council, Nasc and the Irish Red Cross: https://www.communitysponsorship.ie/