In the framework of the AMIF European project H:ouse (Housing to Overcome Unstable Situations in Europe), which aims to develop innovative housing solutions for refugees and migrants through the community sponsorship model, a cross-dimensional study was undertaken, that captured the contributions of diaspora communities in access to housing. Starting from the premise that housing is a fundamental right and plays a key role in the integration process (Brown, P., Gill, S., & Halsall, J. P., 2022), and considering the emerging evidence provided by both the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (Coulibaly, A., 2021) and by the European Parliamentary Research Service (Radjenovic, A., 2025) on the possibilities of community sponsorship, the latter, in conjunction with the perspectives and intervention of diasporic communities through bottom-up approach, is considered as a pathway to improve housing accessibility. To this end, 25 participatory research activities have been carried out in 5 European countries, namely Slovenia, Greece, Italy, Ireland and Hungary. The methodology was based on the “stakeholder onion model” (Alexander & Robertson, 2004) and a SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) analysis (Glaister & Falshaw, 1999), focused on the housing situation of refugees. It involved representatives from migrant groups, asylum seekers, refugees, social workers, community leaders, and cultural mediators, engaging a total of 113 participants to share their experiences on housing accessibility. Based on the data collected, this presentation gathers the main challenges, initiatives and recommendations that were identified in the study. Among the challenges highlighted there are insecurities caused by precariousness, language barriers, discrimination and lack of political interest, all of which become particularly severe in the context of a housing crisis. In terms of initiatives led by diaspora communities, the study highlights the importance of factors such as word of mouth, networking and community engagement through social gatherings, as well as landlord confidence building, legal support and NGO mediation. Furthermore, Community sponsorship (CS) initiatives, government housing policies and migrant-specific programmes were also identified as important to facilitate access to housing. Finally, some opportunities were found that could improve housing affordability, including the reuse of empty properties, the implementation of awareness-raising campaigns for landlords, and the strengthening of legal and social networks. Recognising the importance of community-driven solutions, the study underlines the need to integrate community-sponsored schemes and grassroots initiatives led by diaspora communities, as important for the sustainable integration of newcomers, by means of housing accessibility, in both urban and rural areas, as stressed also by Haugen & Hallström (2022).

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Diaspora Communities,Housing Accessibility,Community Sponsorship,Migrants,Integration