Homelessness In Europe
International Conference

October 28-30, 1999
Balatonfoldvar, Hungary

Homelessness emerged as a visible and acute issue in Central and Eastern Europe following the political and economic transformation at the beginning of the 1990s. At the same time homelessness in Western Europe continues to be a major social and economic problem. The approach and policies of government are central in establishing frameworks within which to provide services and in setting priorities for social provision. This conference will focus on the responsibilities of governments and the impact and implications on service providers and homeless people.

The conference has two main aims:

• Firstly to establish and encourage the cross-fertilization of ideas and experiences between Eastern European countries and between East and West Europe.
• Secondly the conference aims to establish policy priorities for the region as a whole, and in particular for those countries looking toward EC accession.

Participants:

The conference is aimed at organizations, social workers and those who work with people who are homeless or who are vulnerable to homelessness.

Organisers:

The conference is being organised by Hajszolt (the National Association of Homelessness Services, Hungary). Hajszolt has almost 300 members and provides professional support through training, a newsletter and study trips for homelessness agencies in Hungary. The conference has been organised with support from FEANTSA, the National Homeless Alliance (UK), MMSZ (the Hungarian Maltese Cross Society), the Social Policy Development Centre (PRO DOMO), the Soros Foundation, the Budapest Muncipal Government, the Social and Family Support Ministry of Hungary, Voluntary Services Overseas.

Tentative Sessions:

Who is homeless and why?
Central and local government initiatives
Housing and resettlement
Health and mental health problems
Legislation, policy and human rights
Nonprofit organizations and the role of the churches
Youth homelessness
Housing, training and work

Tour Homeless Programs in Hungary:

Prior to the conference, members of the National Association of Homelessness Services in Hungary will be hosting two-day visits of homeless agencies in different parts of Hunagry.

Balatonfoldvar is on the south shore of Lake Balaton, about 120 km from Budapest.

Costs:

The costs for two nights hotel accommodation in Balatonf�ldv�r, meals during the conference, and transport to the hotel from Budapest are (for payments before 15 July):
100 Euro for those from Central and East European Countries
200 Euro for those from Western European Countries
There is no separate registration cost. After 15 July the costs will go up to 120 Euro for Eastern Europeans and 220 Euro for Western Europeans. Participants have to pay for their own transport costs to Hungary. There may be funding available to cover some or all of these costs, and you should ask when you return your form for further information about this.

Contact details:

If you are interested in submitting an idea for a workshop, would like to exhibit, or have a research report/study which could be useful for the conference, then please contact:

Marianna Szebenyi
HAJSZOLT
H-1108, Budapest
Gr�n�tos u. 2
Hungary

Fax: (36 1) 262 1021
e-mail: [email protected]
Paola Grenier e-mail: [email protected]
Website www.hajszolt.hu

Last updated:    August 1999

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