European Homelessness Count

This project focuses on developing a harmonized method for homelessness counts in Europe. Researchers and representatives of 15 European cities collaborate to collect reliable and comparable data, which policymakers and organizations can use to effectively address homelessness.

The aim of this project is to:

• Develop a harmonized data collection methodology for European homelessness counts based on a common operational definition of homelessness                           (ETHOS Light)
• Promote the regular and comparable collection of actionable data on homelessness at a local level across the EU
• Inform local, national and European authorities about the nature and scope of homelessness to effectively address homelessness.

The results and learned lessons are shared in a local and general research report and are shared at international conferences.

01 January 2024 - 01 January 2026

In each of the 15 cities a homelessness count will be conducted. Homeless people are counted by all local organizations in the region that are in direct or indirect contact with homeless people. Meanwhile, knowledge and experiences are exchanged within a learning network where regular training sessions, evaluations, and feedback sessions take place.

EU-memberstates and civil society have committed to working together towards combatting homelessness in the EU. Having comparable data on homelessness helps local governments and professionals to adapt and learn from strategies of countries that are successfully combating homelessness.