Homelessness rises in Finland after years of Housing First success
In Finland, the number of people experiencing homelessness has risen for the second consecutive year, despite the previous successes of the Housing First policy. The latest national survey, published in November, recorded 4,579 homeless people — 20% more than a year earlier. As The Guardian reports, a government report cited rising housing and living costs, benefit cuts, and an increase in cases of addiction and mental health problems among the factors.
Homelessness has increased particularly among women, people under 25 and people of non-Finnish origin. In Helsinki, which recorded the largest number of homeless people in the country, their number rose by 25% over the past year, to 979 people.
How Housing First worked
Finland made the Housing First principle the basis of its homelessness policy in 2008. The model provides that permanent housing is a basic human right, rather than a reward after treatment or employment. After obtaining a home, a person can access treatment, healthcare, support and assistance with employment.
Between 2012 and 2023, the number of homeless people in the country fell by more than half — from about 8,000 to 3,400 people. A housing complex in the suburbs of Helsinki, managed by health and social services provider Rinnekodit, is home to 78 people who were previously homeless. It provides round-the-clock staff support, holds weekly residents' meetings and offers small paid jobs.
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The complex's manager, Marko Lahtela, noted that providing housing does not solve all problems immediately: some residents have addictions or other long-term difficulties. According to him, rebuilding a stable life requires time and trust. Rent there starts at about €850 per month; residents usually pay it from benefits or a pension.
Support and affordable housing
The civic organisation Vailla vakinaista asuntoa ry (“Without a Permanent Home”) provides visitors with breakfast, lunch, clothing and consultations every day. The centre currently receives around 100 people a day, and twice as many during the cold months. The organisation's representative, Erja Morottaja, stressed that there is no universal type of assistance: some people need only minimal support, while others require much more intensive help.
The Y-Foundation, which played a central role in creating and implementing Housing First, owns more than 19,000 homes and is Finland's largest non-profit landlord. According to the foundation, the country has around 400,000 affordable homes — approximately 30% of the total housing stock. Most people who were previously homeless live not in specialised complexes but in ordinary affordable housing alongside representatives of other social groups.
