started · updated
Europe homelessness rises to 1.4 million with surge in elderly population
A new report by FEANTSA and the Fondation pour le Logement reveals that homelessness is rising across the European Union and the United Kingdom, with an estimated 1.4 million people currently without homes. This figure represents an increase from the 2024 estimate of 1.3 million.
The report highlights a significant and growing crisis among the elderly. Approximately 166,261 people over the age of 65 are estimated to be homeless in the EU and UK. The prevalence of elderly homelessness varies significantly by country, ranging from 1.6% in Ireland to 8.9% in Germany and as high as 44% in Hungary.
Experts warn that existing emergency housing structures are often inadequate for this demographic. Many facilities lack essential accessibility features like elevators and are not equipped to provide the level of care required by individuals with declining autonomy. The report suggests that austerity measures and stricter migration policies have further exacerbated the situation.
Entities
European Union · Feantsa · Finland · Fondation pour le logement · Ireland · Ruth Owen · United Kingdom
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Austerity policies in Finland, including cuts to assistance systems and NGOs, have worsened the situation. www.diariodesevilla.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · www.huelvainformacion.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 2024 global estimate for the region was 1.3 million homeless citizens. www.diariodesevilla.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · www.huelvainformacion.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] Homelessness is increasing among elderly populations. www.diariodesevilla.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · www.huelvainformacion.es
- [● 5 SOURCES] An estimated 1.4 million people are homeless across the European Union and the United Kingdom. www.diariodesevilla.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · www.huelvainformacion.es · athina984.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The number of homeless people in Ireland increased by 367% between 2014 and 2026. www.diariodesevilla.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · www.huelvainformacion.es
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 166,261 people aged 65 and older are homeless in the EU and UK. athina984.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The percentage of elderly people among the homeless varies from 1.6% in Ireland to 44% in Hungary. athina984.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Emergency housing structures are often ill-equipped for elderly people due to a lack of elevators or specialized care. athina984.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr