‘It’s a miracle’: Helsinki’s radical solution to homelessness

The Guardian (06/03/2019)
  • Finland is the only EU country where homelessness is falling because it provides unconditional, need-based housing ASAP.
  • Like many countries, Finland previously had a ‘staircase’ model where homeless people where given temporary shelter until they were deemed deserving of permanent housing.
  • Since collaborating with NGOs in 2008 to launch Housing First, Finland’s long-term homelessness has declined by 35%.
  • Shelters were transformed into comfortable apartments that also offered mental-health and substance abuse treatment.
  • The tenants, many under 30, consider free housing as a necessary foundation.