European Housing Cooperative EPEKA, SCE

European Housing Cooperative EPEKA SCE is a European Cooperative Society (SCE) that brings together members and partners across countries to design, develop and support affordable, high-quality and sustainable housing through cooperative ownership and democratic governance. It is built on the principle that housing should be treated as a home and a community asset, not only as a market commodity, and that residents should have a direct role in shaping the place where they live.

EPEKA SCE works to enable cooperative housing projects from idea to implementation. This includes supporting groups with cooperative set-up and governance, feasibility planning, stakeholder coordination, and the creation of transparent rules for membership, allocation, and long-term affordability. It promotes models that reduce housing insecurity by keeping homes permanently or long-term affordable, encouraging non-speculative approaches, and reinvesting surpluses into maintenance, community services, or new housing initiatives.

A core focus of EPEKA SCE is community-led development: strengthening social cohesion through resident participation, mutual support, and shared responsibility. The cooperative encourages inclusive and intergenerational living, with attention to people who face barriers on the housing market—such as young people, families, low-income households, and other vulnerable groups—and supports housing solutions that are accessible, safe, and socially integrated.

EPEKA SCE also promotes green and resilient housing by encouraging energy efficiency, circular renovation practices, and climate-responsible building and management. Alongside practical project support, it invests in capacity building through trainings, workshops, public events, and knowledge exchange, connecting local initiatives with European expertise and policy discussions.

By operating at the European level, EPEKA SCE strengthens cross-border cooperation, builds partnerships with municipalities, civil society, and ethical finance actors, and advocates for housing policies that expand cooperative and community-based housing options. Its mission is to help communities create stable, fair and sustainable housing that supports well-being, participation, and long-term social value.