Who we are
As the UN migration agency, IOM brings its mandate to support safe, orderly and dignified migration, and support housing pathways that contribute to the long-term integration of migrants and refugees and foster social cohesion.
PATHS stands for Providing Assistance for Transitioning Housing Solutions and is a partnership project coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Country Office for Belgium and Luxembourg. Implemented in Belgium, France and Greece, the project is carried out in Belgium in partnership with Fedasil and Orbit.
The PATHS platform was developed within the framework of the PATHS project, funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) of the European Commission. The project aims to strengthen access to housing for refugees across Belgium, France and Greece. Rooted in collaboration, PATHS acts as a bridge between sectors, connecting the dots between refugees, civil society organisations, the private sector and public authorities to ensure that people transitioning from reception to independent living receive coherent and coordinated support.
Our mission
Our mission is to support beneficiaries of international protection, after they obtain residency in Belgium, in accessing stable, dignified, and long-term housing as a foundation for successful integration. PATHS acts as a connecting hub that brings together private actors from the real estate sector, civil society (NGOs), and refugees to remove barriers to safe and dignified access to housing. The platform aims to bring innovative tools and information on housing for beneficiaries of international protection in Belgium.
What we do
The PATHS platform is managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Fedasil and Orbit. Together, we work to strengthen the transition of beneficiaries of international protection from Belgium’s reception network into the private housing market towards their first housing opportunity. We bring together people, civil society organisations, private stakeholders, and communities, to make housing more accessible and reliable and to foster practical solutions that address both the challenges and opportunities of sustainable housing pathways. Our team can also answer questions, and help property owners/landlords to make their properties available for someone who needs it the most and impact their lives.
Our approach
Connect people to housing faster
We simplify the process, so more people can move into safe and dignifying homes.
Get in touch with us
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about our platform
-
What is the PATHS platform?
The PATHS platform is an open, user-friendly online hub that brings together tools, resources, and partners involved in housing support for refugees and other people in vulnerable situations. It also includes a matching portal which is accessible to partner organisations and private landlords.
-
What is the matching portal?
A secure area (login required) that enables: an overview of housing listings from vetted providers, verification workflows, online matching between organisations, landlords, and refugees.
-
Who can consult the platform?
Anyone can consult the publicly available resources, including the social map of organisations providing housing support, tools and checklists developed or gathered in the context of the project activities and other relevant publications. The matching portal is only accessible for NGOs and landlords that register on the platform.
-
Who can register on the platform?
NGOs providing housing support to refugees, landlords, as well as volunteers.
-
Can refugees register themselves directly on the platform to be matched to housing opportunities?
No, refugees can only register with the help of an NGO who creates a profile on their behalf.
-
What can I find on the platform?
The platform serves as a one-stop shop for housing-related information, offering resources and practical guidance on accessing and maintaining housing, a map of organisations providing housing support, and a contact form for questions, partnership requests, concerns, or complaints.
-
What is the social map?
An interactive map of organisations providing housing support and information services. Use the filters to find the type of assistance you need and easily contact organisations in your area by phone, email, or through their website.
-
Is the platform available in different languages?
Yes. The PATHS platform is available in English, French, Dutch, Russian, Turkish, Pashto, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Ukrainian, German, Somali, and Tigrinya. The matching platform is currently available in English, French, and Dutch. To change the language, please go to our navigation bar at the top right of the webpage. You will notice a language drop-down at the top right corner. Select your desired language.
-
Can I navigate the platform on my phone?
Yes. The interface is optimised for both mobile and desktop.
-
Who manages the platform?
The platform is managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funded by ESF+.
-
How can I get in touch?
You can use our online contact form available on the website to get in touch with us.
-
How does the housing matching process work?
An NGO submits an application for a refugee interested in a property. Once approved by the PATHS team, a property visit can be arranged.
-
Can landlords see all registered refugee profiles?
No. Landlords can only access the profile of refugees who have applied for their property.
-
What information can landlords see?
Landlords can see basic information such as contact details, household composition, housing situation, languages spoken, and housing preferences.
-
Who chooses the tenant?
The landlord decides whether to accept visit requests and ultimately selects the future tenant.
-
How is personal data protected?
All partners comply with IOM's Data Protection Policy. Access to personal data is limited to authorised users.
-
Does every beneficiary need support after moving in?
No. Some beneficiaries may require ongoing support, while others may be fully independent and not need further assistance.
-
I am a refugee, can PATHS find a home for me?
PATHS aims to support refugees finding a home by connecting refugees with housing opportunities and organisations that can provide support during the matching process.
-
Do I have to pay to use the platform?
No. Access to the platform and its resources is free of charge. No fee can be charged by any partner organisation in the context of the project.
