Social Housing in the Growth City of Ingolstadt

Ingolstadt is a city without any particular focus on developing or providing social and affordable housing.  Outside of the typical funding mechanisms available to those willing to develop affordable housing, the city has no real plan.  Even without a a solid strategy, the city continues to develop a decent number of affordable units in comparision… Read More Social Housing in the Growth City of Ingolstadt

Social Housing in Berlin: The Sexy City That is No Longer Poor

Berlin is known as a dynamic city with reasonable costs of living compared to other European capitals.  Because of this reputation, Berlin’s population over the last decade grew while inflicting new pressures on the increasingly tight housing market.  Once a city where a flat could be had for a few hundred euro’s a month is… Read More Social Housing in Berlin: The Sexy City That is No Longer Poor

Deliberate Civic Engagement: Are You Doing Enough?

My fellowship year has allowed me to participate in dozens of interesting meetings and programs.  Recently a door opened that allowed me to observe an ongoing transatlantic dialog between Germany and the USA.  Through connections at the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Bundesinstitut fur Bau-Stadt und Raumforschung, I received an invitation to… Read More Deliberate Civic Engagement: Are You Doing Enough?

Social Housing In Hamburg Part I

Hamburg growth in the 1980’s was not as strong as other areas of Germany because of structural changes. Since the 90s, the picture has changed. With the unification of Germany, Hamburg made economic strides, especially in international trading and business. Hamburg is also seen as an attractive city independently of its development of knowledge and service centers.… Read More Social Housing In Hamburg Part I

Strategic Planning and Homelessness: Finland, the UK, the USA and Sweden

Article: The Finnish Homeless Strategy Summarized by Josh Crites Overview Finland recently completed a second phase of a national program intended to dramatically reduce homelessness.  What is different with the Finnish approach is the country came together to create a national strategy with a total effort on using the Housing First model.  The summary report… Read More Strategic Planning and Homelessness: Finland, the UK, the USA and Sweden

Potential Locations for Homeless Programs in Europe

Introduction: Problem: European cities continue to see a number of individuals forced into “Rough Sleeping”.  Rough Sleeping is defined as sleeping on the street as opposed to some type of shelter. Question: What city’s and NGO’s in Europe might combine to help create a successful homeless program in Europe?  More specifically: Are there any good or bad examples… Read More Potential Locations for Homeless Programs in Europe

Social Housing’s challenges in housing homeless in Europe.

A question that needs to be asked by social housing providers both in the USA and Europe is what role do we take in regards to those who are completely homeless.  At first thought, the answer seems simple.  Social housing providers will do anything possible to help reduce the number of people who are homeless. … Read More Social Housing’s challenges in housing homeless in Europe.