Finland’s “Housing First” Concept

In Finland, the number of homeless people has fallen sharply in recent years. This is because the country applies their “Housing First” concept. Those experiencing homelessness receive a small apartment and counseling – without any eligibility preconditions. Four out of five people re-establish stable living conditions and it’s more economical for the country.*

Finland is able to provide housing by partnering with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the business of building, purchasing, renovating existing housing, or converging emergency shelters into long term housing structures. Social services from the NGO are provided in the buildings to assist people to transition into tenants with a lease. While the government supports the NGO through subsidized loans, the lottery and other financial support. Finland’s approach of helping the community to help themselves by beginning with a home and a place to start reflects the mission of the Kauri Foundation.

We at the Kauri Foundation are overjoyed to hear how one country is eradicating homelessness for their citizens. As an NGO, Kauri Foundation is in the process of partnering with government agencies around the world to provide flat-packed, scalable, dignified housing systems to communities in need. We are excited to join forces with governments and other NGOs to bring land to life around the globe.

Partner with us and spread change!

References

https://kontrast.at/housing-first-finnland-obdachlose/