Social Innovation in Action with Homeless Entrepreneurs
About
Homeless Entrepreneur is a Barcelona-based NGO founded in 2015 with the mission of promoting economic empowerment and poverty reduction through work and active citizenship. By combining public and private civic partnerships, the organization empowers people living in social exclusion to improve their quality of life and participate fully in society.
Mission
They believe every individual—regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief—has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. Homeless Entrepreneur's aim is clear: “to change the world, one person at a time” by enabling sustainable jobs and dignified housing for the homeless.
Solutions
HELP Program: A holistic 12-month pathway combining professional, educational, health, financial, legal, communication, sales, housing, and mentorship support to achieve independence.
Housing Empowerment Program: Providing rental assistance to help participants transition into independent living.
Helpline: A responsive WhatsApp-based service that collects real-time data to connect homeless individuals with immediate resources.
Voices: Amplifying personal stories of those experiencing homelessness to build community connections and employment pathways.
International Crisis Support: Adapting rapidly to crises—COVID-19, Ukraine war, inflation—offering emergency aid along with broader HELP support.
European Social Policy Change: Conducting advocacy within G7 and EU frameworks to support policies that balance assistance with empowerment.
Impact & Objectives
For the 2024–2025 period, the organization aims to support 150 success stories and positively impact 1,500 lives. Through strategic solidarity projects, crowdfunding, and public-private collaboration, each participant’s annual cost is approximately €3,080, with a broader goal to assist 100 people by raising €300,000.
Solidarity Projects
Key initiatives include the creation of awareness art (e.g., The UnforeSeen Variable), mobility campaigns like The Great Walk, educational drives such as HOMEcan, research reports (Assistance vs Empowerment), and multimedia efforts (e.g., Garbage Rex film, Twelve Cities piano compositions) to engage public dialogue and policy change.
Team & Leadership
Headquartered in Barcelona, their multidisciplinary team includes professionals in business, casework, media, data, and community engagement. Led by Founder & President Andrew Funk, and supported by key roles like Karla Santillán (Treasurer), Victor Horcasitas (Global Expansion Director), Toby Plüss (Great Walk Director), and others. A diverse group of advisors guide efforts spanning blockchain, CSR, training, urban planning, communications, and storytelling.
Operations
Operating across Barcelona, Tarragona, and Islamabad, Homeless Entrepreneur collaborates with governments, corporations, NGOs, and volunteers. We provide structured support networks to take individuals from street homelessness to self-sufficient, working citizens, guided by the belief that the ultimate measure is the number of individuals actively empowered.
Get Involved
Volunteers, partners, donors, and employers can engage via:
Collaborate at micro (individual), meso (project), or macro (organizational) levels.
Volunteer in fundraising, CSR, technical aid, events, and HE campaigns.
Donate to core initiatives like Helpline, Voices, HELP, and Housing Empowerment or fund solidarity products/projects.
Submit solidarity projects or become a Homeless Entrepreneur