FEANTSA

What we do: FEANTSA, the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless, is dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of individuals experiencing homelessness across Europe. It unites and empowers a network of over 150 not-for-profit organizations from about 30 European countries, focusing exclusively on homelessness. FEANTSA promotes collaboration, research, and policy advocacy to improve access to safe and affordable housing, health services, employment support, and social protection for marginalized communities.

Where we are located: FEANTSA is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium (postal code 1210), where it operates its main offices coordinating European-wide activities.

Short history: Founded in 1989, FEANTSA is the only major European network exclusively focused on homelessness. It has developed influential tools such as ETHOS, the European Typology of Homelessness and Housing Exclusion, which provides a common framework for understanding and measuring homelessness across Europe. The organization holds consultative status at the Council of Europe and the United Nations and receives financial support from the European Commission.

Organization & culture: FEANTSA employs 36 staff members who work collaboratively in a culture that values inclusivity, respect, social justice, teamwork, open communication, and innovation. The organization emphasizes data-driven approaches and knowledge sharing among its members to foster impactful solutions to homelessness.

Recent developments: FEANTSA continues to lead in policy advocacy and research, publishing annual reports on housing exclusion and homelessness in Europe. It coordinates initiatives such as the Housing First Guide, promoting evidence-based interventions to end homelessness. The organization actively fosters partnerships to enhance employability, health services, and social protections for marginalized groups.