FEANTSA, the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless, was established in 1989 and is headquartered in Brussels. It brings together over 130 member organisations from 29 countries, including the vast majority of European Union member states. FEANTSA is unique as the only European non-governmental organisation that focuses solely on homelessness at the continental level.
From its inception following a major seminar on poverty and homelessness in Cork, Ireland, FEANTSA has taken on diverse roles. The organisation engages in continuous dialogue with European institutions and national governments to inform and influence policy development addressing homelessness. Its activities encompass the collection and dissemination of research, exchange of best practices among its members, and public awareness efforts on the complex causes and realities of homelessness.
FEANTSA has played a significant part in shaping policy instruments and frameworks. Notable milestones include the creation of the European Observatory on Homelessness for research, the launch of the European Journal of Homelessness, and the development of the ETHOS typology that standardises the measurement and understanding of homelessness across Europe.
The federation has supported legal action against states for failing to uphold housing rights and is often cited in European social rights jurisprudence. FEANTSA co-founded the Housing First Europe Hub, which promotes evidence-based housing interventions, and continues to campaign for systemic change in housing and social policies.
Membership consists primarily of national and regional umbrella organisations that provide direct services, ranging from accommodation to social support for homeless people, often collaborating closely with public authorities and housing providers.