The Affordable Housing Initiative is shifting to another gear, offering individually designed training
The European Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) has officially entered its second phase, aiming to accelerate the fair energy transition and address Europe’s housing crisis.
On December 5, during a networking lunch hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee at the European Commission, policymakers, social and affordable housing professionals, cities, and key housing actors gathered to mark this pivotal moment and open a new call for applications for a unique lighthouse district learning programme.
Led by Housing Europe in partnership with EBC, ECTP, Energy Cities, GNE Finance, SINTEF and co-funded by the European Union, the accelerator programme of the initiative seeks to revitalise communities by supporting local projects that tackle housing affordability and climate challenges. This next phase builds on the successes of the initial Accelerator Programme, which fostered innovation and collaboration across the continent.
“This programme represents a significant step forward in ensuring affordable, sustainable, and dignified housing across Europe,” the President of the EESC, Oliver Röpke, said, adding that we should use it as “a platform for partnerships and collective action.”
Speeding up learning: tailored training for housing innovators
In Phase II of the programme, the Affordable Housing Initiative is shifting gears by offering an individually designed training programme that is both tailored and free. The learning programme is meticulously crafted to upskill social and affordable housing providers, cities, and companies involved in planning or executing sustainable construction and renovation projects in affordable housing. Participants will develop integrated approaches that enhance the delivery of quality housing and mitigate the issues that have historically affected social and affordable housing developments.
Applications are open until 28 February 2025. Selection will be based on an individual assessment by a jury, focusing exclusively on the applicants’ responses to ensure a tailored learning experience for each organisation and individual. With only 15 slots available in this first round, the programme promises to be highly personalised and impactful. The learning programme will start in March 2025.