an activist in local citizens groups since the 1970s, studied philosophy and anthropology in Bochum and worked as journalist and editor of local magazines and newspapers in Witten und Wuppertal. Since 1986, he has been working with the MieterInnenverein Witten, a local tenant association. Today, he is a political speaker for the organization and the related regional tenant platform Mieterforum Ruhr. Since 1996, he has also been active in international networking for housing rights (NGO platform Forum Umwelt und Entwicklung, Habitat International Coalition, European Action Coalition for the Right to Housing and the City). Email: knut.unger@mvwit.de