Europe’s homeless speak out
We are taking advantage of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, as well as the decision of the European Union to tackle the issue of homelessness, in order to organize a large-scale consultation of former and current homeless people in the countries of Europe. And we are sure that our voices will be heard, as we were successful (miraculously!) in getting commissioned to do this by the Belgian government!
In Europe, the circumstances of the homeless differ greatly from one country to another. In some countries, we are viewed as outlaws who must be expelled from the big cities or even imprisoned! Fortunately, in other countries, we have rights and a minimum income and residential facilities have been put in place. Plus, many different services are available for people who wish to find their own housing.
We (1 ) are taking advantage of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, as well as the decision of the European Union to tackle the issue of homelessness, in order to organize a large-scale consultation of former and current homeless people in the countries of Europe. And we are sure that our voices will be heard, as we were successful (miraculously!) in getting commissioned to do this by the Belgian government!
For this reason, we are inviting our friends from the streets, both past and present, to answer the five simple questions listed below. Obviously, it would be best to discuss them before responding; if you belong to an organization, do this as a group. Using the web site that we have created http://europeanhomeless2010.eu you can submit your response, write a blog entry and even send short videos. This will all be published on the site, bit by bit, until September. By then, we will surely be able to compile a detailed report, with the goal of defending our rights to live with dignity, before the people of the European Union.
Five questions :
- For you, what does it take for a person to be called “homeless”?
- What should be done so that people do not find themselves on the streets?
- What services are most helpful to you now (or were most helpful when you were without shelter)?
- You are without shelter, but do you have rights? Is it easy to assert yourself? And do those who come from other countries have rights?
- What steps could the European Union take to reduce the number of homeless people?
Contact : Jean Peeters 00-32-479/68 60 20 frontcommunsdf@hotmail.com
Or you can give your opinion on the site (see « FORUM » )
Use the translator for different languages http://europeanhomeless2010.eu
(1 ) For two decades, the Front Commun sdf (www.frontsdf.be ) has served as a platform in Belgium for those formerly and currently without shelter, which takes action for the acquisition and defense of the rights of the homeless.