‘Housing for All’: Hollywood icon Richard Gere’s call to end homelessness
'Housing for All': Hollywood icon Richard Gere's call to end homelessness
Housing for All - This year’s World Urban Forum in Baku shifted its spotlight away from glamorous events like film premieres and red carpets, instead centering on a pressing global issue: homelessness. Among the key figures highlighting this cause was Richard Gere, the renowned Hollywood actor whose personal commitment to social justice has now extended to the international stage. Alongside his wife, Alejandra, Gere’s efforts through the Spanish initiative HOGAR SÍ are gaining traction at the event, which took place from May 28 to June 1, 2026.
A Personal Mission in a Global Context
At the thirteenth edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), the focus was on solutions rather than spectacle. A documentary film on homelessness, produced by HOGAR SÍ, became a central discussion point. The film features Latyr Thioye, a former beneficiary of the organization’s programs, offering a human perspective on the systemic challenges of housing insecurity. Gere, who has long been a vocal advocate for social equity, spoke exclusively to Euronews about the significance of the event and the role of international cooperation in addressing homelessness.
“My motivation for working with HOGAR SÍ stems from a personal conviction: homelessness is not inevitable—it is a social injustice that can be solved through a deep shift in understanding and approach,” Gere explained. He emphasized that the issue transcends individual hardship, framing it as a collective responsibility to ensure dignity and opportunity for all.
Richards and his wife have been instrumental in shaping HOGAR SÍ since its inception over a decade ago. Their partnership with the organization, which prioritizes long-term housing solutions, has evolved to include strategic roles such as membership on the board of trustees since 2024. Gere highlighted the rigorous methodology and unwavering dedication of HOGAR SÍ, noting that its approach aligns closely with global efforts to combat urban inequality.
Housing First: A Framework for Change
At the heart of HOGAR SÍ’s mission is the “Housing First” model, a strategy that has gained momentum worldwide. This approach, which places immediate shelter at the core of recovery, reflects Gere’s belief that stable housing is the foundation of broader social and economic rights. “I firmly believe that housing is the gateway to all other rights,” he stated. “Without a safe home, there is no health. No education. No stable employment. When that door closes, the cycle of exclusion becomes almost impossible to break.”
His perspective underscores the interconnected nature of urban challenges, where homelessness serves as both a symptom and a catalyst for deeper systemic issues. Gere’s advocacy aligns with the United Nations’ broader goals, particularly the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which emphasizes inclusive cities as a cornerstone of global progress. “The focus on inclusive cities has enabled the sharing of best practices and demonstrated that ending homelessness is possible when access to housing is prioritized as a starting point,” he said, reinforcing the urgency of rethinking urban policies.
Global Dialogue and Regional Impact
As a keynote speaker at WUF13, Gere emphasized the importance of hosting such forums in diverse regions. “The fact that the World Urban Forum is being held in this region for the first time is an important step toward a truly global and diverse perspective on urban challenges,” he remarked. This decision, he argued, ensures that discussions are enriched by varied realities, avoiding the pitfalls of narrow, single-minded viewpoints.
“It sends a clear message: human rights, housing, and social inclusion are not a regional issue, but a responsibility shared by the entire international community,” Gere added. His comments reflect a growing recognition that homelessness is a universal problem, requiring collaborative action across borders.
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, was chosen as the host city for WUF13, symbolizing a shift in the forum’s geographic reach. Gere praised the city’s role in fostering dialogue, stating that it exemplifies the duality of urban spaces: they are both sites of profound social challenges and hubs for innovative solutions. “Cities are home to both the greatest social challenges and the most innovative solutions,” he noted, “and this forum brings together political, social, and technical voices around a common goal: to create fairer, more sustainable, and inclusive urban environments.”
For Gere, the World Urban Forum represents a critical platform for reimagining the future of cities. He argued that homelessness must be a central topic of discussion, as successful urban development cannot exist without addressing the plight of the homeless. “There can be no successful cities whilst there are people living on the streets,” he asserted, underscoring the necessity of integrating social welfare into urban planning.
Legacy and Future Directions
Gere’s involvement with the United Nations, which he began naturally through his existing work on human rights and social development, has deepened over the years. He described the UN as a vital arena for influencing public policy and elevating global issues. “I realized that the United Nations is a key forum to bring certain issues to the global stage and to influence public policy in ways that make a real difference,” he said. His emphasis on multilateralism aligns with the UN-Habitat’s mission, which he views as essential for tackling complex problems like homelessness.
Among the UN initiatives Gere has supported, those linked to housing, social cohesion, and refugee rights stand out. He highlighted the importance of these areas in shaping the discourse around marginalized communities, stating that they have been long-term priorities. “The initiatives focused on housing and social inclusion have not only raised awareness but also inspired actionable strategies to support vulnerable populations,” he explained.
As the WUF13 concludes, the spotlight on homelessness serves as a reminder of the work still ahead. Gere’s partnership with HOGAR SÍ, backed by the Gere Foundation, exemplifies how individual efforts can catalyze international movements. By showcasing the realities of homelessness through film and dialogue, the couple aims to galvanize action, ensuring that cities become places of opportunity rather than exclusion. Their work underscores the idea that housing is not merely a physical necessity but a fundamental right, one that must be safeguarded for all members of society.
The event in Baku also highlighted the significance of decentralizing global discussions to include regional voices. Gere’s presence at WUF13 reinforces the notion that solutions to homelessness are not confined to any one nation but require a collective, global effort. As the forum continues to evolve, its impact on shaping urban policies and fostering solidarity among nations remains a testament to the power of shared purpose. Through initiatives like HOGAR SÍ and his UN collaborations, Richard Gere’s vision of a world where everyone has a place to call home is becoming a rallying cry for change.