Promotes and develops sustainable social housing initiatives in Italy.
Fondazione Housing Sociale (FHS) is a non-profit organization based in Italy, specifically in Milan, that focuses on promoting and developing social housing initiatives. The foundation was established in 2004 by Fondazione Cariplo, with the support of Regione Lombardia and ANCI Lombardia, to address the housing needs of disadvantaged individuals and families. The primary focus areas of FHS include structuring, financing, construction, and management of social housing projects that are economically sustainable and not based on free grants. The organization aims to create residential contexts that foster positive relationships among residents and provide a network of services to support them. FHS does not provide grants but instead works on promoting ethical financing initiatives, particularly through real estate funds dedicated to social housing. The organization has been instrumental in setting up the first ethical real estate fund in Italy, known as Fondo Abitare Sociale 1, which has become a reference standard for the sector. Recent projects and initiatives include the development of the Integrated Funds System (SIF) and the Fondo Investimenti per l’Abitare (FIA), which have contributed to expanding the supply of social housing units in Italy. FHS has also published various manuals and guides on social housing management and design, and it offers training and technical assistance to sector operators. Specific financial data on typical project financing and criteria for receiving funding are not readily available. However, FHS emphasizes the importance of creating a diverse and balanced community mix in its projects, which includes young couples, single-income families, students, the elderly, and foreigners.