We are working to prevent homelessness
Definition of homelessness
The commonly used classification for homelessness in the EU is ETHOS Light (European Typology on Homelessness and Housing Exclusion). The definition of homelessness used in the Centre's homelessness survey aligns with this classification.
People without their own housing (rental or ownership) and living in one of the following conditions due to lack of housing are considered homeless:
- outdoors, in stairwells, or so-called emergency shelters
- hostels or lodging houses
- supported housing units, rehabilitative units, hospitals, or other institutions
- temporarily with friends or relatives
A person is considered long-term homeless if they have been homeless for at least one year or repeatedly homeless in the past three years.
Homelessness in Finland
Homelessness is particularly concentrated in major cities and growth centers. Most homeless people are staying temporarily with friends or relatives.
The number of people living rough in Finland is very low, and homelessness is not highly visible in our streets. This is due to long-term homelessness programs, state-subsidised affordable housing, and climate conditions.
Collaboration at multiple levels
National programs to eliminate homelessness
The Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction promotes socially and ecologically sustainable housing to ensure everyone has the opportunity for good housing according to principles of equality. Reducing homelessness by providing affordable housing is a core task of the Centre.
For about fifteen years, Finland has been working purposefully to eradicate homelessness. Since 2008, the Centre's predecessor, Ara, has been involved in long-term homelessness elimination programs in collaboration with municipalities, landlords, and service providers. National homelessness programs (PAAVO I and II, AUNE, and the Homelessness Partnership Program) have significantly reduced homelessness. In 2023, a new program to eliminate long-term homelessness was established.
Ara's role in past PAAVO programs
Ara has played a significant role in national programs such as the PAAVO program, which aimed to reduce long-term homelessness. Municipalities, cities, and organizations purchased and built housing with state support, and Ara's role was to provide and allocate new affordable housing to the homeless.
During the PAAVO II program, hostels were phased out with Ara's support, and over 3,000 apartments were allocated to homeless people. One of the key changes implemented during the program was the transition from temporary solutions to tenancy-based housing under Ara's guidance.
Housing first principle
Through homelessness programs, Finland began systematically implementing the Housing First approach. The system to reduce homelessness was built on the Housing First principle, which posits that housing is a basic human right. The first support measure is to provide housing, followed by necessary services to ensure successful living.
Thanks to the homelessness prevention program "AUNE", efforts were also directed towards preventive measures. The goal was to strengthen the preventive perspective in homelessness work and to prevent the recurrence of homelessness.
Currently, both perspectives are recognized in efforts to reduce homelessness: eliminating actual homelessness and preventing new homelessness from occurring.
International collaboration
The Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction actively participates in international networks on homelessness work. Ara and now the Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction is a member of organizations such as FEANTSA (European Federation of National Organizations Working with the Homeless) and Housing First Europe Hub. We are also part of the Nordic Homelessness Alliance, which develops Nordic homelessness work in cooperation with other Nordic countries.
We actively monitor the development of homelessness internationally and participate in international development work.
Homelessness reports
Homelessness in Finland has decreased by about 80% since 1986, when the first homelessness count was conducted. Ara and now the Centre publishes annual homelessness reports.
We recommend that municipalities use the homelessness report and municipal data for planning and developing homelessness work and preventive services. Development work is best done in collaboration with well-being services counties, local landlords, and service providers, such as NGOs.