Digital housing solutions: smart growth for regions

Report PechaKucha session – EURegionsWeek 2024.

The session titled "Digital Housing Solutions: Smart Growth for Regions" was held onsite during the EURegionsWeek 2024. Lasting 15 minutes, the event utilized interactive formats such as EURegionsTalks, Living Library, and Pecha Kucha to engage participants effectively. Organized by Wunderflats and presented by the Co-Founder and COO, Arkadi Jampolski, the session highlighted innovative approaches to housing solutions across the European Union.

The focus of the presentation was the Helfende Wände initiative, a digital housing solution funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). This project addresses the pressing housing challenges faced by displaced individuals, particularly refugees from Ukraine. By offering a digital platform for temporary accommodation, Helfende Wände has significantly impacted the lives of those in need, supporting close to 30,000 users and mobilizing around 10,000 landlords. The initiative not only reduces housing costs but also streamlines the integration process for displaced populations within the EU. Through the innovative use of technology, it promotes regional growth, fosters social inclusion, and provides a sustainable, scalable approach to refugee housing.

The primary objectives and key themes of the session revolved around promoting smart growth by enhancing resource efficiency and community integration. Helfende Wände achieves this by connecting refugees with available housing through its digital platform. Social inclusion is a cornerstone of the project, as it addresses social challenges by providing accessible housing solutions, reducing economic strain on both refugees and host communities, and enhancing social cohesion. Moreover, the initiative leverages digital transformation to match refugees with suitable housing, supporting local economies and addressing objectives for sustainable regional development.

The session attracted 69 participants, mainly representatives from the European Commission, the EU Committee of the Regions, and Ukrainian municipalities. The high level of engagement was evident through the numerous questions posed by attendees, indicating a strong interest in similar solutions across the EU. Presenter Arkadi Jampolski reported that the audience's response was overwhelmingly positive, and attendees left inspired by the initiative's success and its potential for replication. This enthusiasm reflects the project's relevance to current EU housing and migration challenges.

Several key EU policy areas and themes were addressed during the presentation. The project aligns with INTERREG goals by fostering regional economic growth and cohesion, contributing directly to the EU’s objectives on sustainable housing, social inclusion, and migration management. By utilizing digital and ICT solutions, Helfende Wände improves housing access and in consequence creates economic stability for migrants and refugees, ultimately supporting regional job markets and employment opportunities.

In conclusion, the presentation showcased Helfende Wände as a model of scalable, technology-driven housing solutions that addresses both immediate and long-term housing needs within the EU. The success of this session underscores the project's value in inspiring further efforts toward smart growth and social inclusion across European regions.