Action Conference: ‘Good Housing for All’, 21–23 March 2025
From 21 to 23 March 2025, the nationwide Open Space conference ‘Good Housing for All’ took place at the House of Democracy and Human Rights in Berlin.
The event brought together around 100 participants – including experts by experience with backgrounds in displacement, housing and homelessness, as well as full-time and voluntary staff from social work, NGOs, counselling and academia. Over two days, there were intensive discussions, creating an exceptional platform for shared learning and exchange on challenges and solidarity-based cooperation in the field of housing.
Following an informal get-together on Friday, the conference began on Saturday with insights into lived experiences from experts by experience, who shared their stories and demands. Those present included:
- Ufo - Union für Obdachlosenrechte Berlin
- Frauensalon der Wohnungslosenstiftung
- Swen Huchatz (Obdachlosen Selbsthilfe Hildesheim)
The presentations marked the start of the two-day Open Space event, during which all participants were able to suggest topics and lead discussion groups.
The shared schedule filled up quickly. The workshop topics included, amongst others:
- Similarities and differences in the accommodation of homeless people and refugees
- Experiences of violence and the empowerment of women* in collective and homeless shelters
- A critical reflection on the Housing First approach
- Racism in the housing market
- What do we want: Joint demands
Legal recourse: Options for legal action in the area of accommodation
During the closing plenary session on Sunday, the groups shared their next steps, which included concrete measures and enhanced collaboration.
In keeping with the Open Space format, lively discussions, exchanges and networking also took place at the buffet and the coffee bar.
The ‘Good Housing for All’ conference was a valuable opportunity to collectively develop ideas on key issues surrounding good housing.
As co-organisers of the conference, the Department of Sociology for Social Work would like to thank all participants for their commitment and their important contributions, which played a key role in the success of this event.
A video documentary featuring highlights and statements from the conference can be found: here
nformation about the organisers can be found: here