HEROES

Access to housing is becoming increasingly problematic across the EU. Structural crisis factors related to demography and urbanization have been exacerbated by a series of external shocks: COVID-19 pandemic, the conflicts in Ukraine and Middle-East, surging energy prices, and a widespread cost-of-living crisis. Additionally, housing costs, which were already high, continue to rise, further complicating access to adequate housing or increasing evictions. The scarcity of affordable rental housing supply intensifies these challenges, affecting not only low-income but also middle-income households, as well as specific vulnerable groups such as young people, immigrants, and temporary workers. The project aims to improve the implementation of urban and regional policies related to affordable housing. By promoting the exchange of experiences and capacity building, HEROES helps regional authorities design and implement more effective strategies to address the housing crisis, focusing on creating affordable and inclusive housing for middle-income families by fostering collaborative services and mutualistic practices at neighbourhood level. The partnership consists mainly of local and regional authorities and not for-profit organizations, including front-runner local actors on affordable and inclusive housing policies willing to share their experiences, enhance mutual learning and support the project partners to improve their strategies. The interregional learning process will be focused on five main dimensions:
(i) Innovative financing models for affordable housing,
(ii) Inclusion of vulnerable populations,
(iii) Urban regeneration through collaborative housing and services,
(iv) Tenant empowerment and participation,
(v) Community empowerment and Inclusive Governance models for affordable housing.
By leveraging shared experiences and building capacity among regional authorities, the Project will help tackle the pressure of housing affordability in the EU cities.