'The more free market we are, the more we create homelessness'
	TIME spoke with with Michel Mercadié, vice-president of the European Federation of National Organizations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA), about Europe's homelessness problem. | By ADAM SMITH/Paris

TIME: Are European homelessness statistics accurate?
Mercadié: The question of numbers is very difficult because not every country has the same definition. It's a variable vocabulary, with different notions of what counts as homeless in each nation, so we can't really compare the statistics. Regarding numbers of homeless people, we can only have estimations. There are a number of people who are excluded from housing, but this shouldn't be confused with those who have inadequate housing.

TIME: Why, with Europe’s enviable social protection systems, is there still such a homelessness problem?
Mercadié: Because of our social fabric — and I would say "fabric" because the more free market we are, the more we "fabricate" [create] homelessness. That's looking at the concept of social exclusion in general. As for homelessness in particuliar, those actually on the street, we have an analysis that was coroborated by the all the Ministers of Housing of the E.U. over the last four years, save for Denmark, which didn't have one, agreeing that the problem persists because there is a general lack of social aid housing in the E.U.

TIME: And how do you explain that lack?
Mercadié: Essentially there is a chain reaction. The middle class has a difficulty getting housing. The prices are elevated in Ireland and Spain, for example. In many countries — except Belgium where prices are relatively low — you have very high housing prices, so there's a pressure on the middle class. This pressure pushes on the lower class, and down the chain, making it harder and harder for people without many resources, or nearly no resources. And then you have another category, those who are totally de-socialized. For example, there aren't enough spaces at the shelters and welcoming centers. FEANSTA provides in some way for 500,000 people in France per year. FEANSTA has access to 35,000 spots for people in need and we are asking for 15,000 more spots. Meanwhile, the government of Madame Versini (Secretary of State for the Battle Against Precariousness and Exclusion) just proposed 5,000 spots, but the 2003 budget can't afford her project.

TIME: Some people we've spoken with who live on the street tell us they are content there. How representative is that opinion?
Mercadié: There are two types of people on the street. Those who are basically allergic to social aid and housing etc., and lack the ability to live with others in an environment. I'm speaking of people in their 40s and older, usually. Many of the people have been traumatized in their life and/or have difficulties being in close proximity with others. Often they are victims of institutions, and to go back to a sort of institution is like going to prison. The second type are young men often, who know how to speak well, to present themselves well, but in the end find a certain form of liberty on the streets, and even an income, in begging. That lasts usually three or four years.

TIME: How has homelessness and the fight against it changed in the last few years?
Mercadié: One thing is the growing number of people with psychiatric troubles. There is in Europe in general — following Italy — a change in the politics of treating psychological problems. Many people from psychiatric hospitals in the past now find themselves on the street. These people can be very difficult to help. And compared to 20 years ago, there's a growing number of the young people who have a problem with domestic abuse. The problems of homeless people are very complicated. You have people with alcoholism, psychological problems, money problems. Problems that accumulate.

TIME: Because FEANTSA is a pan-European federation, are there conflicts in how issues are approached and dealt among countries?
Mercadié: I see from my point of view, an ideological fracture between countries we consider as providing for "The Rights of Man" — which include certain guarantees like the right to shelter, and countries that have more of a "New Deal" spirit like England. That's a different logic, saying, "Help yourself and heaven will help — or rather in this case, the government — will help you." So I see a little of these opposing forces in European countries.

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