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- OECD says Cyprus has no official definition of homelessness and recorded 225 people in 2024, excluding several groups.
- AKEL MP Argyroula Ioannou said the 225 figure does not reflect the full scale and called for a comprehensive methodology.
- Ioannou urged immediate protection for people living on streets, in parks or cars, alongside long-term action on housing pressures.
- She said municipalities need state funding, the issue will be raised in Parliament, and services must ensure dignity and safety.
Homelessness in Cyprus remains a social issue, with concerns raised over the extent to which official figures capture the full scale of the problem.
Speaking on the “Protoselido” programme, AKEL MP and member of the House Human Rights Committee Argyroula Ioannou said people facing poverty and housing insecurity can end up living in abandoned buildings, cars or public spaces.
The OECD’s latest 2026 country note says Cyprus has no official statistical definition of homelessness. It records 225 people experiencing homelessness in 2024, but the figure covers people in emergency accommodation and accommodation for homeless people, while excluding people living on the streets, in institutions, unconventional dwellings or temporarily with family and friends.
225 figure does not capture full picture
Ioannou said the 225 figure does not reflect the full extent of homelessness in Cyprus.
She argued that the country needs a comprehensive methodology based on an agreed typology to establish a clearer picture of the number of people experiencing homelessness.
The OECD also notes that Cyprus has no legal obligation to collect homelessness data and does not have a national homelessness strategy.
Immediate protection and long-term solutions
Ioannou said action should take place on two levels: immediate protection for people without shelter and measures addressing the factors that can lead to homelessness.
She pointed to housing pressures, foreclosures and high rents, saying people on very low incomes or benefits can struggle to secure accommodation.
“First we must protect these people who live on the streets, in parks and in cars, immediately, to safeguard their dignity,” she said.
Municipalities seek state support
Ioannou also referred to a recent meeting in Limassol with the new Deputy Minister of Social Welfare and the city’s mayors, where homelessness was discussed.
She said the municipalities of Limassol and Polemidia are willing to contribute to addressing the issue but require state funding to develop suitable facilities.
She also referred to the Limassol Municipality’s “SXEDIA” programme, saying it manages cases involving around 300 homeless people, including children and families.
Services include access to personal hygiene and rest, while other structures in the city provide food to people facing serious housing and financial difficulties.
Issue to be raised in Parliament
Ioannou said AKEL’s parliamentary group will register the issue of homelessness for discussion in Parliament.
She said the matter could be examined by the relevant committees in terms of policy, implementation and the protection of human rights.
She also said the upcoming state budget process would show whether the government has specific plans and funding for tackling homelessness.
Quality of accommodation also highlighted
Ioannou referred to a recent case involving a homeless woman who was found living in a container and was subsequently moved by Social Welfare Services to a shelter.
She said around 10 people, including women, men, children and elderly people, are accommodated at the facility.
However, she stressed that providing accommodation alone is not enough and that services must also meet standards of quality, safety and dignity.
“The issue is not only the number. It must genuinely meet the need for dignity and safety of these people,” she said.
Calls for greater funding
Ioannou said tackling homelessness requires resources, planning and long-term policies rather than isolated measures.
She expressed hope that the new Deputy Minister of Social Welfare would promote support policies and secure additional funding for relevant programmes.
The OECD similarly stresses the importance of improving the evidence base on homelessness and developing sustainable policy responses.
Also read: Interior Ministry outlines provisions of new housing scheme
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