OIM - OIM - Introduction to Social and Affordable Housing Solutions

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Affordable Housing SolutionsThe opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the report do not imply expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. _____________________________ This publication is financed with assistance from the German Federal Foreign Office and the United States Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.

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Permissions: R equests for commercial use or further rights and licensing should be submitted to publications@iom.int. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/legalcode PUB2024/053/ELIntroduction to Social and Affordable Housing Solutionsiii Introduction to Social and Affordable Housing Concepts CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v 1 . HOUSING CONCEPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.1. What is housing? ................................................................ 2 1.2. Housing as a human right ........................................................ 2 1.3. Adequate housing: a definition ..................................................... 3

1.1. What is housing? ................................................................ 2 1.2. Housing as a human right ........................................................ 2 1.3. Adequate housing: a definition ..................................................... 3 2 . BARRIERS TO ACHIEVING ADEQUATE HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.1. Overview of housing crises ....................................................... 6 2.2. Access and barriers to housing .................................................... 6 2.3. Affordable housing: a definition .................................................... 7 3 . MECHANISMS TO SUPPORT ACCESS TO ADEQUATE HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.1. Social housing: a definition ....................................................... 10 3.1.1. Dimensions of social housing ................................................ 10 3.1.2. Social housing models ...................................................... 11 3.2. Community-led and cooperative housing .......................................... 12 3.3. Housing subsidies and allowances ................................................. 12 3.3.1. Most common types of subsidies ............................................. 12 3.4. Integration approaches .......................................................... 13 4 . RELEVANCE OF HOUSING TO THE WORK OF IOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4.1. Displacement, durable solutions and housing ....................................... 15 4.2. Housing: a path to integration .................................................... 16 4.3. IOM commitments related to housing ............................................. 16 5 . MEASURES TO ACHIEVE ADEQUATE HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 5.1. The Housing First approach ...................................................... 19 5.2. Reception capacities and the role of municipalities ................................... 19 5.3. Integrated approaches .......................................................... 20 5.4. Multidimensional considerations .................................................. 20

5.1. The Housing First approach ...................................................... 19 5.2. Reception capacities and the role of municipalities ................................... 19 5.3. Integrated approaches .......................................................... 20 5.4. Multidimensional considerations .................................................. 20

ANNEX A. PROMISING PRACTICES: Social Housing ........................................ 22

ANNEX B. PROMISING PRACTICES: Affordable Housing .................................... 24

ANNEX C. PROMISING PRACTICE: Community-led Housing ................................ 26

ANNEX D. PROMISING PRACTICES: Integrated Approaches ................................. 27

BIBLIOGRAPHY ......................................................... 30iv List of tables LIST OF TABLES Table 1. International instruments with provisions for the right to adequate housing ......... 2 Table 2. Factors influencing access to housing ......................................... 7 Table 3. Dimensions of social housing models and policies in Europe ..................... 10 Table 4. Categories of social housing models ......................................... 11 Table 5. Housing provision approaches in relation to integration ......................... 13 Table 6. Durable solution criteria .................................................. 15 Table 7. Multidimensional key actions and considerations in housing people on the move .... 21v Introduction to Social and Affordable Housing Concepts INTRODUCTION Following the consequences of dealing with the impact of the pandemic over the last two years, Europe has been facing new and unexpected crises and changes. The war in Ukraine has brought about an extraordinary set of circumstances, resulting in a refugee and an energy crisis. Moreover, the combination of increasing housing costs and budget cuts in social spending has led to a growing number of people unable to find suitable and affordable homes. As a result, they are forced to endure homelessness, inadequate housing or housing insecurity. Housing has emerged at the centre of the inclusion–exclusion discussion, being described as “an essential step on the integration path and a precondition for the full enjoyment of social and civil rights, as well as social services” (Bolzoni et al., 2015:1). What has emerged is the need to conceive housing as multidimensional and multisectoral and, therefore, central to integration

essential step on the integration path and a precondition for the full enjoyment of social and civil rights, as well as social services” (Bolzoni et al., 2015:1). What has emerged is the need to conceive housing as multidimensional and multisectoral and, therefore, central to integration strategies; develop housing practices with a mix of shelter provision and enabling strategies; and approach the need for housing in a way that is multiscalar (i.e. housing is not only for the individual, but also the household and the community) and multitemporal (i.e. providing assistance that addresses immediate needs, as well as reducing the likelihood of dependencies in the future). This guidance specifically focuses on the European (including Eastern European) housing context, with a particular emphasis on the gap between reception systems and integration in countries that have been facing pre-existing housing difficulties and are in urgent need of housing solutions. The objective of this guidance is to identify, understand and analyse social and affordable housing practices in Europe, as presented in the literature, in order to explore the potential applicability of these practices in supporting vulnerable populations in their transition from emergency housing to independent housing and, ultimately, in creating a stable and nurturing home environment. This guidance aims to assist shelter and settlement practitioners working in international organizations and public bodies engaged in humanitarian response, recovery and development assistance. Its purpose is to simplify the complexities of various housing systems, including social housing and affordable housing. It seeks to identify and highlight key promising practices from housing programmes that prioritize affordability and cater to vulnerable populations. These programmes have been implemented in Europe by municipalities, non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations, with varying geographic scopes and locations. The diversity of these promising practices provide different housing modes that may be considered in providing access to adequate housing. In addition, the featured projects draw the participation of homeowners and tenants and build autonomy by connecting vulnerable populations with local communities. These examples allow humanitarian actors to find connection or bridge points between emergency housing and longer-term housing solutions.vi Introduction The guidance consists of five chapters and four annexes that contain examples of promising real-life practices: Chapter 1: Housing concepts

homeowners and tenants and build autonomy by connecting vulnerable populations with local communities. These examples allow humanitarian actors to find connection or bridge points between emergency housing and longer-term housing solutions.vi Introduction The guidance consists of five chapters and four annexes that contain examples of promising real-life practices: Chapter 1: Housing concepts Chapter 2: Barriers to achieving adequate housing Chapter 3: Mechanisms to support access to adequate housing Chapter 4: Relevance of housing to the work of IOM Chapter 5: Measures to achieve adequate housing

Annex A: Social housing

Annex B: Affordable housing

Annex C: Community-led housing

Annex D: Integrated approaches1 HOUSING CONCEPTS

© IOM 20222 HOUSING CONCEPTS 1.1. What is housing? The complexity surrounding housing has led to a lack of a unified definition of the term. Researchers and social theorists in housing studies and related fields agree that housing is a complex concept that is challenging to define. However, despite this complexity, some prevailing definitions have emerged. ● In common parlance, the word housing (both a noun and a verb) not only refers to a material object or physical dwelling that can be seen and felt, such as a “roof” , but also refers to the action or process of providing a house. ● UN-Habitat has a very encompassing definition of housing: “Housing is a multi-dimensional concept that refers to the activity, a process of residing, as well as to the objects of dwellings and their environment”. (UN-Habitat, 2016:169) Housing systems, by their very nature, are deeply rooted in cultural, contextual and region-specific factors, and they manifest in diverse forms across countries of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. One crucial aspect to understand is that housing systems are not static; they are in a constant state of transformation and development. As a result, the interpretation of the term “social housing” can vary significantly from one context to another. 1.2. Housing as a human right

Commission for Europe. One crucial aspect to understand is that housing systems are not static; they are in a constant state of transformation and development. As a result, the interpretation of the term “social housing” can vary significantly from one context to another. 1.2. Housing as a human right Housing is a right, not a commodity. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes the right to housing: “The human right to adequate housing is the right of every woman, man, youth and child to gain and sustain a safe and secure home and community in which to live in peace and dignity”. (Kothari, 2005) Table 1. International instruments with provisions for the right to adequate housing Instrument Pertinent article Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) Article 25.1. Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services… International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966) Article 11.1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing, and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right, recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international cooperation based on free consent. Declaration on Social Progress and Development (1969) Article 10(f) (Part II). [As one of the main objectives of development policies] The provision for all, particularly persons in low-income groups and large families, of adequate housing and community services. The UN-Habitat definition of housing encompasses both the activity of living in a home and the physical structure itself, as well as its immediate surroundings. It is not just about having a roof over one’s head; it also involves connections to job opportunities, resources, institutional and regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, services and social unity.3 Introduction to Social and Affordable Housing Solutions

home and the physical structure itself, as well as its immediate surroundings. It is not just about having a roof over one’s head; it also involves connections to job opportunities, resources, institutional and regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, services and social unity.3 Introduction to Social and Affordable Housing Solutions Instrument Pertinent article Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1981) Article 14(2). States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in rural areas in order to ensure…to such women the right: … (h): T o enjoy adequate living conditions, particularly in relation to housing, sanitation, electricity and water supply, transport and communications. Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) Article 27(3). States Parties, in accordance with national conditions and within their means, shall take appropriate measures to assist parents and others responsible for the child to…provide material assistance and support programmes, particularly with regard to nutrition, clothing and housing. International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1969) Article 5(e)(iii). States Parties undertake to prohibit and to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and to guarantee the right of everyone…notably in the enjoyment of the following rights: … (e) Economic, social and cultural rights, in particular: (i) The right to housing. International Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951) Article 21. As regards housing, the Contracting States, in so far as the matter is regulated by laws or regulations or is subject to the control of public authorities, shall accord to refugees lawfully staying in their territory treatment as favourable as possible and, in any event, not less favourable than that accorded to aliens generally in the same circumstances.

Source: Rosenfeld, 2015:36 and 37, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UN-Habitat, 2014:11, 16, 19, 26 and 29–31.

accorded to aliens generally in the same circumstances.

Source: Rosenfeld, 2015:36 and 37, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UN-Habitat, 2014:11, 16, 19, 26 and 29–31. 1.3. Adequate housing: a definition Adequate housing is a human right recognized in international human rights law as part of the right to an adequate standard of living. The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has underlined that the right to adequate housing should be seen as the right to live in a place of security, peace and dignity (OHCHR, 2024).

Adequate housing consists of more than just four walls and a roof. There are several requirements for particular forms of shelter to be considered as constituting “adequate housing.” These are just as fundamental as ensuring the basic supply and availability of housing. The right to adequate housing is a human right recognized in international human rights law as part of the right to an adequate standard of living. One of the main references to it is in article 25.1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The right to adequate housing does NOT require the State to build housing for the entire population but, rather, to prevent homelessness, prohibit forced evictions, address discrimination, focus on the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, and ensure security of tenure.4 HOUSING CONCEPTS Following the guidance of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights within the OHCHR, which oversees the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, adequate housing contains the following seven key elements: (a) Legal security of tenure. Regardless of occupants’ tenure status, there should be a certain level of legal security of tenure. (b) Availability of services, materials, facilities and infrastructure. Housing is not adequate if occupants do not have safe drinking water and adequate sanitation; energy for cooking, heating and lighting; food storage; or refuse disposal. (c) Affordability. Housing is not adequate if its cost threatens or compromises occupants’

(b) Availability of services, materials, facilities and infrastructure. Housing is not adequate if occupants do not have safe drinking water and adequate sanitation; energy for cooking, heating and lighting; food storage; or refuse disposal. (c) Affordability. Housing is not adequate if its cost threatens or compromises occupants’ enjoyment of other human rights. (d) Accessibility. Housing is not adequate if the specific needs of disadvantaged and marginalized groups are not taken into account. (e) Habitability. Housing is not adequate if it does not guarantee physical safety or provide adequate space, as well as protection against the cold, damp, heat, rain, wind and other threats to health, and structural hazards. (f) Location. Housing is not adequate if it is cut off from employment opportunities, healthcare services, schools, childcare centres and other social facilities, or if it is located in a polluted or dangerous area. (g) Cultural adequacy. Housing is not adequate if it does not respect and take into account the expression of cultural identity. (OHCHR and UN-Habitat, 2014) Following the guidance of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights of the OHCHR, which oversees the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, there are seven criteria for establishing adequate housing: (a) security of tenure; (b) availability of services, materials and infrastructure; (c) affordability; (d) accessibility; (e) habitability; (f) location; and (g) cultural adequacy.2 B ARRIERS TO ACHIEVING

ADEQUATE HOUSING

© IOM 2024/Muse MOHAMMED6

BARRIERS TO ACHIEVING ADEQUATE HOUSING 2.1. Overview of housing crises The documented housing crisis in many contexts is increasingly impacting a larger segment of the population, making access to affordable and adequate housing more difficult. Over the past two years, crises and changes, such as the invasion of Ukraine, have created extraordinary circumstances, including a refugee and an energy crisis, compounding the challenges posed by the pandemic. These issues have heightened long-standing problems related to the affordability

of the population, making access to affordable and adequate housing more difficult. Over the past two years, crises and changes, such as the invasion of Ukraine, have created extraordinary circumstances, including a refugee and an energy crisis, compounding the challenges posed by the pandemic. These issues have heightened long-standing problems related to the affordability of homes and to energy consumption (i.e. utilities). In the current scenario, construction and renovation costs also have become increasingly unsustainable, further exacerbated by a recent rise in home financing expenses. The combination of these factors is leading to the postponement, delay or abandonment of many housing projects and an increase in housing prices. Eurostat’s house price index indicates that house prices in the eurozone rose by 8.8 per cent and in the wider European Union by 9.2 per cent during the third quarter of 2021, even before the 2022 inflation surge (Eurostat, 2022). This represents an increase compared to the same quarter in 2020. Rents have also seen a rise of 15.3 per cent from 2010 to the first quarter of 2021, with house prices increasing by 30.9 per cent during the same period (Eurostat, 2021). This trend is particularly noticeable in urban areas, where the financialization of housing is playing a role in driving prices higher. Recent trends, including unregulated short-term rentals for tourism, reveal that the lack of affordable housing is not only impacting vulnerable individuals, but is also increasingly affecting the middle-income class. This places them at risk of poverty and social exclusion, as people with low and mid-range incomes struggle to afford housing costs that exceed the 30-per-cent income threshold for defining affordability. The non-affordability of housing in the main private market puts greater pressure on social housing, as more and more households are unable to afford private rents. 2.2. Access and barriers to housing The rapid increase in the resident population in an urban settlement makes it increasingly challenging for vulnerable people with no stable incomes to access the rental market. Moreover, rental

market puts greater pressure on social housing, as more and more households are unable to afford private rents. 2.2. Access and barriers to housing The rapid increase in the resident population in an urban settlement makes it increasingly challenging for vulnerable people with no stable incomes to access the rental market. Moreover, rental programmes have the potential to drive prices up, leading to inflated rates and forcing individuals to settle for subpar living conditions that do not meet minimum standards. Consequently, overcrowding becomes a prevalent issue, enabling tensions within host communities, as both locals and newcomers vie for the same limited rental accommodations. Key housing findings reveal several pressing issues in housing: (a) Lack of social and affordable housing; (b) High private-sector rent; (c) Shortage of emergency and transitional housing; (d) Emergence of new and growing housing needs alongside the challenge of unregulated short-term rentals; (e) Lack of housing policies in the region for affordable housing and public investment in this crucial sector.7 Introduction to Social and Affordable Housing Solutions Table 2. Factors influencing access to housing Factor (enabler or barrier) Description Housing market information Refugees and migrants often have limited knowledge of the local housing landscape and language to understand rental market rules and rental agreements. The lack of information represents a protection risk, as it enables a situation of power for the lessor that can lead to abuses of migrants and refugees. Availability of adequate and affordable housing Displacement has significantly increased the demand for housing, particularly in areas experiencing a large influx of people. Hostility and xenophobia often contribute to the limited availability of affordable housing. As a result, many refugee families are forced to live in overcrowded and substandard conditions, or to seek shelter in collective centres or with private hosts due to the lack of affordable and suitable housing options. Scarcity of social housing In countries that are primary destinations for refugees from Ukraine, social housing options are limited, and many countries already have waiting lists for allocation. Furthermore, residents and citizens are often given priority for social housing, making it difficult for the affected population to secure housing through these programmes.

housing options. Scarcity of social housing In countries that are primary destinations for refugees from Ukraine, social housing options are limited, and many countries already have waiting lists for allocation. Furthermore, residents and citizens are often given priority for social housing, making it difficult for the affected population to secure housing through these programmes. T enure security Evidence from various countries shows that many refugees from Ukraine opt to live with family, friends or host families, or rent housing. However, the lack of a strong legal and administrative framework to ensure housing security for those renting legally or staying with hosts without a formal agreement exposes them to significant risks. Accessible housing, including for people with disabilities Accessibility remains a major issue, as housing, public areas, communities and transport systems are typically planned without considering the requirements of individuals with disabilities. The housing options available often do not meet the specific needs of people with disabilities, leading to a lack of suitable housing for them. Access to basic services The absence of essential upgrades (e.g. to replace obsolete water, heating and electrical systems) in numerous affordable housing units to ensure minimum standards of habitability, combined with escalating energy prices, has led to a critical situation where a substantial portion of the vulnerable population is unable to secure access to healthy living conditions. Vulnerable and low-income individuals with limited social and political influence encounter significant obstacles to locating and obtaining suitable housing, which further intensifies their vulnerability. The lack of affordable housing options, limited access to legal and housing resources, uncertainty surrounding tenure, high energy expenses and xenophobia collectively contribute to heightening their susceptibility in securing adequate housing. 2.3. Affordable housing: a definition There is no comprehensive statutory definition of affordable housing, and the term “affordable” is often used with a significant degree of ambiguity in the context of housing. The European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has a working definition of housing affordability that refers to the ratio between household income and housing cost (i.e. mortgage or rent). By this definition, spending no more than 30 per cent of disposable income (equivalized for household size) on housing is an indicator

(OECD) has a working definition of housing affordability that refers to the ratio between household income and housing cost (i.e. mortgage or rent). By this definition, spending no more than 30 per cent of disposable income (equivalized for household size) on housing is an indicator that “housing is affordable”; spending over 40 per cent is an indicator of housing cost overburden.1 1 The ratio approach is the most commonly used measure of housing affordability internationally (see Eurostat, 2017; Rosenfeld, 2015; OECD, 2017). “The simple ‘housing-cost-to-income’ ratio entails calculating a ratio between median house prices and median household incomes at different points of time, and then comparing them to determine whether affordability is improving or worsening” (Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, 2005:22).8 BARRIERS TO ACHIEVING ADEQUATE HOUSING According to the Sustainable and Affordable Housing Report (World Green Building Council, 2023), it is estimated that around 80 per cent of cities worldwide do not have affordable housing options for the majority of their population. Although the terms social housing and affordable housing are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct types of housing with different qualifying criteria. Social housing refers to governmentsubsidized shortand long-term rentals that target individuals with lower incomes or those receiving benefits. On the other hand, affordable housing refers to housing options available at rents or prices lower than the local market rates. Affordable housing is designed to be accessible to individuals with low or mid-range incomes. The definition of affordable housing v