“THE housing crisis affects everyone, but it is particularly harsh on vulnerable groups at the margins of society, such as people arriving from war-torn countries.”
Those were the words of John Lannon, CEO of Limerick migrant support organisation Doras.
“Community sponsorship and local partnerships offer a practical, people-centred way to help families settle and to build stronger, more inclusive communities,” he said.
Mr Lannon was speaking on the European H:OUSE Project (Housing to Overcome Unstable Situations in Europe), a European partnership involving organisations in Ireland, Italy, Greece, Slovenia, and Hungary, which is aiming to take concrete action to improve housing outcomes for newcomers through community engagement and collaboration.
In Ireland, Doras is supporting existing community sponsorship groups that are welcoming newcomer families into their towns and villages.
This support includes training, mentoring, and practical assistance to help local volunteers strengthen their capacity to host and integrate refugees arriving in their communities.
Building on research published earlier this year, partners are now moving from diagnosis to delivery, piloting local initiatives that connect migrants, host communities, and local authorities to co-create real, workable housing solutions, Mr Lannon said.
“The approach builds on the success of community sponsorship in Ireland – a model that has already helped dozens of families find housing and belonging through the support of local groups.”
Other European project partners are also developing community-driven initiatives including establishing solidarity networks, food recovery programmes, local information points to off housing translation and employment support and language classes.