Finland’s success in reducing homelessness is a model of efficiency that many countries, including the United States, can learn from. At the heart of Finland’s strategy is the innovative “Housing First” approach, complemented by a comprehensive system that ensures not just temporary relief but permanent solutions. Here’s an in-depth look into Finland’s strategy and actionable insights for other nations grappling with homelessness.
Housing First Model: Prioritizing Stability
Finland’s Housing First model revolutionizes homelessness by providing immediate, unconditional access to permanent housing, recognizing that stable housing is a fundamental right and the first step to addressing other issues.
A key element of its success is the development of affordable housing. The Finnish government invests heavily in building and renovating housing to meet demand. With 3.2 million apartments in Finland, about 62% are owned, and 34% rented. Approximately one-third of these apartments were constructed using state subsidies, underscoring the government’s commitment to affordability.
Governments looking to replicate this success should allocate funds for constructing and renovating affordable housing units and leverage public-private partnerships to expand housing stock.
Comprehensive Support Services
Housing alone is not enough. Research suggests that access to mental health and substance abuse treatment can significantly aid those experiencing homelessness. Finland combines housing with essential support services tailored to individual needs, such as mental health care, addiction treatment, job training, and social integration programs.
Developing a network of support services alongside housing initiatives is crucial. This includes comprehensive mental health services, addiction treatment, and employment assistance programs.
Legal and Cultural Shifts
In Finland, public intoxication and loitering are not tolerated, and there is a legal framework that funnels individuals with addictions or mental health issues into mandatory treatment plans along with housing. This cultural commitment to social welfare and conformity plays a crucial role in their success.
Enacting policies that discourage public intoxication and loitering while providing pathways to treatment and housing is essential. It is also crucial to foster a cultural shift that prioritizes social welfare and collective responsibility.
Role of MuniFin
A unique aspect of Finland’s housing success is the role of MuniFin, the only credit institution in Finland specializing solely in financing the municipal sector and non-profit housing production. Housing loans accounted for 48% of MuniFin’s total long-term customer financing portfolio at the end of 2021. This highlights the significant financial support provided for housing development, ensuring sustainable and long-term solutions.
Role of NGOs and other aligned organisations
Finland’s approach to tackling homelessness is marked by effective coordination among municipalities, regions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This unified strategy integrates the efforts of local governments, non-profits, and community organizations, playing a crucial role in the comprehensive solution to homelessness.
While governments allocate funds for housing, community organizations and NGOs, with their on-the-ground expertise and targeted services, are pivotal in addressing diverse needs and reaching underserved populations. The idea of effective coordination is echoed in the mission of 100 Meals a Week, an organisation founded by Karina and Zeeshan Hayat in 2006. The organization has expanded from Vancouver to various U.S. communities, collaborating with local groups to deliver over 250,000 meals and essential items like clothing and hygiene products. Their successful coordination underscores the impact of integrated efforts in tackling complex social issues.
Preventive Measures
Finland emphasizes prevention and early intervention to stop homelessness before it starts. This includes financial assistance, mediation services, and support for at-risk individuals.
Implementing programs that focus on early intervention, such as rental assistance, mediation services for tenants and landlords, and support for individuals at risk of becoming homeless, is vital.
Work Programs and Safety Nets
There is a strong call for guaranteed work programs and better safety nets in Finland. Welfare systems are designed to avoid benefit cliffs, ensuring that individuals can work without losing essential benefits.
Developing guaranteed work programs that provide employment opportunities for those unable to find work in the private sector is important. Ensuring that welfare systems are structured to avoid penalizing individuals for working additional hours is also key.
Conclusion
Finland’s comprehensive and compassionate approach to homelessness offers valuable lessons for countries worldwide. By prioritising immediate housing, integrating support services, investing in affordable housing, enacting policy reforms, fostering regional coordination, emphasizing prevention, and ensuring robust work programs and safety nets, nations can make significant strides in reducing homelessness. The Finnish model demonstrates that with a committed, multi-faceted strategy, homelessness can be not just managed but effectively eradicated.