Finland's Near-Zero Homelessness: A Housing First Success Story
Finland's remarkable reduction in homelessness over three decades, from over 16,000 in 1989 to around 4,000 in 2020, stems from a sustained national strategy centered on a "Housing First" approach. This prioritizes providing immediate, independent, permanent housing, coupled with integrated social support services and financial assistance through the social benefits system. Unlike temporary solutions, this strategy ensures a stable foundation for addressing other needs like employment and healthcare. The success highlights the importance of a balanced approach combining financial aid, comprehensive support, and increased housing supply, proving far more effective than relying on a single lever. The Finnish model offers valuable lessons for other OECD countries seeking to address homelessness effectively.