How to End Homelessness, Case Finland 

#Homelessness #HousingFirst #HumanRight 

Teija Ojankoski [CEO, Y-Foundation]

About Y-Foundation (Y-Säätiö)

Y-Foundation was founded in 1985. In 1980’s there were exceptionally cold winters. Temperatures were below 30 degrees for weeks and many rough sleepers died outside due to a lack of a warm shelter. Then many powerful politicians decided to call together biggest cities, mental health organization, church, RedCross ja and trade Unions and decided to establish a Y-Foundation to provide homes for homeless people. That terrible winter was a turning point in Finnish homelessness work.

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To summarise the main elements of the Finnish Housing First model

- Understanding that housing is a human right

- Finding a common political will

- Provide homeless people with housing first, then with the support they need

- Treating people experiencing homelessness as equals and listening to their wishes