The Finnish Homelessness Strategy – An International Review

Abstract

As an overall assessment, it can be stated that the main goal of the programme, the permanent reduction of long-term homelessness on a national level, has been reached with the help of a carefully planned, comprehensive cooperation strategy. Programme work in accordance with the Housing First principle is proof of the fact that with sufficient and correctly allocated support, permanent housing can be guaranteed even for the long-term homeless in the most difficult position. The significant financial investment allocated to the programme by municipalities, organisations and the state as well as the extensive, long-term national and local cooperation have made it possible to integrate the development of housing and services both on a general level and also by taking the needs of different target groups into account. However, despite the success of the programme's activities, it should not be forgotten that any increase or decrease in homelessness is tied not only to homelessness policy, but also to other changes and developments in social policy.