The International Mayors Council on Homelessness, a collaboration between DePaul University’s Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness in Chicago, USA, and The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), recently convened in Paris to sign a joint declaration aimed at addressing homelessness. Lydia Stazen, executive director of the Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness, stated that mayoral leadership is crucial for progress on homelessness.

According to a 2023 United Nations Secretary General report, approximately 1.6 billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing. The report indicates that factors such as climate change, war, civil unrest, and global economic uncertainty are likely to exacerbate the issue.

The council, established in 2023, serves as a forum for leaders to discuss challenges and share successful strategies. It includes mayors from cities across three continents, including Chicago, London, Paris, São Paulo, Helsinki, and Glasgow.

“Many mayors face challenges including lack of funding, complicated housing laws, and disconnects between local and national social services,” said Stazen. “The council aims to power and equip mayors to tackle the issue locally and help advocate for their work.”

Erfan Ali, Chief of Staff of UN-Habitat, noted that the international community has increasingly recognized the importance of addressing homelessness through UN resolutions that emphasize city involvement.

At the invitation of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, a member of the council, the group met on June 20 in Paris to sign a declaration committing to end homelessness locally and globally over two years. “Homelessness is one of the most urgent challenges that all mayors face on a daily basis,” Hidalgo remarked. She emphasized the moral obligation leaders have to support vulnerable populations.

Founded in 2014, the Ruff Institute focuses on global homelessness with an emphasis on those living on streets or in emergency shelters. In 2017, it launched the Vanguard Cities cohort which has grown to include more than 18 communities working towards reducing street homelessness.

One inaugural Vanguard City is Greater Manchester where street homelessness decreased by 58% under Mayor Andy Burnham. Other notable achievements include Glasgow reducing street homelessness significantly during COVID-19 and Tshwane passing its first city council policy on homelessness.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed pride in joining global efforts against homelessness: “In Chicago we believe that housing is a human right."

In 2023 IGH joined Homewards; Prince William’s program aiming to end homelessness across six UK locations through shared learning. Sheffield Councillor Tom Hunt and Lambeth Councillor Claire Holland have joined the International Mayors Council from Homewards locations.

Stazen acknowledged current increases in global homelessness but remains hopeful due to collaborative efforts by mayors worldwide. IGH and UN-Habitat continue recruiting local officials for increased dedication towards this cause.

Further information about participating leaders is available online.

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