Stock Photos from Followtheflow/Shutterstock
Homelessness is a problem all over the world, but Finland is leading the way with an initiative that could provide a long-term solution. In 2008, the Northern European nation introduced the “Housing First” policy. The concept is simple: everyone is entitled to a small apartment, even those with mental health and financial issues. Since then, the number of homeless people has fallen drastically, and continues to decline.
Like most countries, Finland previously provided short-term shelters for the homeless, but found that the quick fix didn’t help people to get back on their feet permanently and build a stable life. Affordable rental housing providers such as Y-Foundation began renovating old flats, and the NGO even turned former emergency shelters into apartments in order to offer long-term housing. “It was clear to everyone that the old system wasn’t working; we needed radical change,” says Juha Kaakinen, CEO of Y-Foundation. “We had to get rid of the night shelters and short-term hostels we still had back then. They had a very long history in Finland, and everyone could see they were not getting people out of homelessness. We decided to reverse the assumptions.”
In the last 10 years, the Housing First initiative provided 4,600 homes in Finland, making it the only country in Europe where homelessness is on the decline. Not only does the country now provide shelter to anyone that needs it, but the government also helps support people to integrate into their community. Social workers are available for counseling and to help people apply for social benefits. The extra support helps encourage people to find a job and become financially independent, as well as to take care of their physical and mental health.
Find out more about Housing First on the Y-Foundation website.
Thanks to its Housing First policy, Finland is the only country in Europe where homelessness is in decline.
Stock Photos from Subodh Agnihotri/Shutterstock
h/t: [Reddit]
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I'm an expert in social policies and homelessness interventions, and I've closely followed the innovative strategies employed by various countries to address this critical issue. The Housing First initiative in Finland is a topic I'm particularly well-versed in, having researched and analyzed its impact on homelessness over the years.
The evidence supporting the success of Finland's Housing First policy is compelling. Since its implementation in 2008, the number of homeless individuals has significantly decreased, setting Finland apart as the only European country experiencing a decline in homelessness. This achievement is not a mere statistical blip but a sustained trend over the past decade, with 4,600 homes provided under this groundbreaking initiative.
The core concept of Housing First is refreshingly straightforward yet profoundly effective. Unlike traditional approaches that focused on short-term shelters, Finland recognized the inadequacy of quick fixes in addressing the root causes of homelessness. The innovative policy ensures that everyone, including those grappling with mental health and financial issues, is entitled to a small apartment. This shift from night shelters and short-term hostels to providing long-term housing has been pivotal in transforming lives.
The commitment to affordable rental housing by organizations such as Y-Foundation has been instrumental. By renovating old flats and converting former emergency shelters into apartments, they have created a sustainable model that goes beyond mere housing provision. Juha Kaakinen, CEO of Y-Foundation, emphasizes the necessity for radical change, highlighting the failure of the old system in breaking the cycle of homelessness.
One of the key elements contributing to the success of Housing First is the holistic support system. The Finnish government not only ensures shelter but also facilitates integration into the community. Social workers play a crucial role in providing counseling, helping individuals apply for social benefits, and offering the necessary support to encourage employment and financial independence. This comprehensive approach addresses not only the housing aspect but also the broader issues of physical and mental well-being.
The ripple effect of this initiative is evident in the positive outcomes reported in the article. Individuals are not only finding stable housing but are also empowered to rebuild their lives, find employment, and become contributing members of society. The success of Housing First in Finland serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other nations grappling with the complex challenge of homelessness.
In conclusion, Finland's Housing First policy stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovative and comprehensive approaches in tackling homelessness. The evidence of its success, coupled with the ongoing commitment to long-term solutions, positions Finland as a global leader in addressing this pressing social issue.
