There are empty houses and there are those who need a home

In Portugal, over 720,000 housing units are vacant, with only half available for sale or rent. Two approaches can revive these properties: selling them for profit or leasing them to non-profits for social housing. The latter prioritizes social value over market value, a model successfully implemented in countries like the Netherlands and Austria. The Âncora Foundation aims to adapt this model in Portuguese cities, targeting 1,000 homes in five years. Additionally, initiatives like Une-Idades connect seniors with spare rooms to students in need of affordable housing. These examples highlight the importance of prioritizing social value and community trust in addressing housing issues.