How this city’s young people are fighting back, one derelict home at a time
In Venice, a growing housing crisis fueled by mass tourism has led young residents to take direct action by occupying and renovating derelict homes. Groups like Assemblea Sociale per la Casa are challenging local authorities over unused public housing, arguing that neglect and lack of funding should not justify leaving people homeless. These grassroots efforts highlight the tension between Venice’s booming tourist economy and the declining livability for its permanent residents.
- ▪Tourist numbers in Venice have more than doubled since the year 2000, exacerbating housing shortages for locals.
- ▪Federica Toninello is part of a group called Assemblea Sociale per la Casa that occupies and renovates abandoned buildings to address housing insecurity.
- ▪Approximately 1,000 social housing units on the island remain closed due to claimed lack of government funds for maintenance.
- ▪The group believes some derelict houses have been left vacant for 30 to 40 years despite high demand for affordable housing.
- ▪Residents argue that tourism, while economically important, has become the only significant industry in the city, undermining everyday life for locals.
Sydney Morning Herald publishes from Australia and files mainly under world. We currently carry 3,425 of its stories.
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