The Institute of Global Homelessness (IGH) launched the first cohort of Vanguard Cities in 2017, bringing together local governments from six continents committed to significantly reducing or ending street homelessness. Each city and country sets locally defined, measurable goals while benefiting from IGH’s global network, technical support, and shared learning opportunities.

In July 2025, Lisbon became the 16th city to join this growing movement, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IGH to formalize its partnership. This milestone marks the first Portuguese city in the Vanguard Program and underscores Lisbon’s commitment to systemic, evidence-based approaches to homelessness.

“Colleagues in the Vanguard Cities will want to learn from you, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight to both prevent and combat homelessness. So, thank you very much to colleagues in Lisbon,” stated Baroness Louise Casey of Blackstock, Chair of IGH.

As a Vanguard City, Lisbon will build on its progress by improving monitoring and evaluation systems, expanding inclusive housing solutions, and centering the voices of people with lived experience in the development and implementation of policies. The city is also focused on cross-sector collaboration, equity, and prevention; all key pillars of the Vanguard Program’s framework.

The partnership includes representatives from the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, CRESCER, Instituto da Segurança Social, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, who will work together to improve strategies and enhance existing services for people experiencing homelessness. This multisectoral collaboration is essential, as addressing this issue demands a coordinated response.

Sofia Athayde, council member of the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, affirmed the city’s commitment to “reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness through a strategic and effective integration of these individuals,” stressing that “this response must be more effective as a society.”

IGH is excited to support Lisbon in its journey to reduce street homelessness and share its progress with the wider Vanguard Network, contributing to global evidence base and accelerating mutual learning.