Italian families left homeless while waiting for public housing

Two families with three children each have been living without a permanent home for over a year while they wait for public housing in Italy. In Lombardy, Lucia Sardo and Bryan were evicted after rent and utility costs rose, leaving them to stay with relatives. Lucia says, "Pagavamo tra gli 800 e i 900 euro al mese" and could no longer afford the bills. In the same region, Elena and Antonello moved from Calabria because Antonello’s disability requires treatment that is only available in Milan. Antonello is 100 % disabled and cannot work, while Elena earns about €1,000 a month. Both families have applied for public housing but have received no response, forcing them to rely on the goodwill of family and friends. Their stories highlight a broader shortage of affordable and social housing in Italy, with many families facing similar uncertainty and hardship.