Homelessness in Finland

Homelessness in Finland affected 4396 people at the end of 2021. Long-term homelessness affected 1,318 people.

Homeless people living alone in Finland (1987–2019). Legend:
  Temporarily living with friends and relatives
  Housed in institutions, including homeless people to be released from prison
  Living outside, in temporary shelters, in dormitories, or in hostels
  No information available on the form of homelessness
Homeless families and couples in Finland (1987–2019)

Finland and Denmark are the only European Union countries where homelessness is currently falling. The country has adopted a Housing First policy, whereby social services assign homeless individuals rental homes first, and issues like mental health and substance abuse are treated second. Since its launch in 2008, the number of homeless people in Finland has decreased by roughly 30%, and the number of long-term homeless people has fallen by more than 35%. "Sleeping rough", the practice of sleeping outside, has been largely eradicated in Helsinki, where only one 50-bed night shelter remains.

The Constitution of Finland mandates that public authorities "promote the right of everyone to housing". In addition, the constitution grants Finnish citizens "the right to receive indispensable subsistence and care", if needed.

Since 2002, the Night of the Homeless event has been hosted throughout the country. The events include demonstrations, food distribution, and movie screenings, among other activities.

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