This project was a finalist in the European Responsible Housing Awards 2025 under the ‘Going the extra mile for safe and sound neighbourhoods’, organised by Housing Europe, the International Union of Tenants and DELPHIS.
Organisation: Fundació Privada Hàbitat3 Tercer Sector Social
Goals
Fundació Hàbitat3 works to uphold the right to decent housing for people experiencing vulnerability. In partnership with social organisations and public administrations, the foundation implements a programme that prevents housing loss while expanding the social housing stock.
The objectives of this initiative are threefold:
- Prevent eviction and homelessness by acquiring properties and ensuring residents can remain in their homes
- Guarantee affordability and housing continuity through rental agreements aligned with income levels
- Promote long-term autonomy and inclusion by pairing housing with social and educational support
By securing homes and empowering residents, the programme defends the fundamental right to housing and restores the dignity of those affected by the housing crisis.
Context
Following the global financial crisis, Spain—and Catalonia in particular—saw a dramatic surge in housing insecurity. Between 2008 and 2016, more than 80,000 mortgage foreclosures were recorded in the region, leaving thousands of families at risk of eviction.
In response, this programme was launched to counteract the effects of the housing market collapse. Its approach is rooted in prevention, seeking to address housing instability before it leads to homelessness. By working with residents, public authorities, and financial institutions, Fundació Hàbitat3 offers a pathway back to stability and inclusion for those hit hardest by systemic economic shocks.
What is innovative about this project?
The programme introduces a replicable model combining preventive intervention, affordable housing acquisition, and integrated social support:
- Early intervention model: Helps residents avoid eviction through acquisition of their homes and continuity of tenancy
- Income-adjusted rents: Ensures financial sustainability and reduces risk of arrears, with average rents around €240/month
- Comprehensive social support: Residents benefit from financial literacy, life planning, and inclusion activities
- Circular social economy: Renovation works are carried out by social enterprises, creating employment and upskilling opportunities
- Environmental responsibility: Energy efficiency upgrades are incorporated to reduce utility costs and tackle energy poverty
This integrated, preventive, and inclusive approach has the potential to influence public housing policy and inspire similar strategies across Europe.
Interventions
A coordinated set of financial, technical, and social tools supports implementation:
- Financial mechanisms:
- Soft loans from the Institut Català de Finances (ICF), guaranteed and subsidised by the Catalan Government
- Rental subsidies and philanthropic contributions, including from Fundación Naturgy
- Technical operations:
- Pre-purchase inspections and renovation planning
- Energy efficiency improvements to reduce costs and environmental impact
- Social support mechanisms:
- Tailored individual work plans
- Conflict mediation and case management
- Coordination with local social services for integrated care
- Monitoring and evaluation:
- Tracking of rental payment stability
- Progress on autonomy, education, and employment
- Indicators of social inclusion and community participation
Impact
- 187 individuals have been able to retain their homes and avoid displacement
- 61 social housing units secured since 2020, with plans for further acquisitions
- €240/month average rent aligned with residents’ financial capacity
- Socio-educational support has improved financial autonomy and job prospects
- €750,000 in renovation works completed by social enterprises
- 15 jobs created and 45 training opportunities delivered for individuals facing labour exclusion
- Strengthened collaboration across public, private, and third-sector actors, fostering shared ownership of housing challenges
Lessons learned
- The jury valued the program’s dignity-centred approach to preventing evictions and its innovative cross-sector collaboration.
- They highlighted its strong results in stabilising families, improving financial autonomy, and expanding the social housing stock.
- The initiative was praised for addressing root causes of housing insecurity, not just offering shelter, but restoring stability, inclusion, and hope.
