228 | The Finnish Way of Ending Homelessness
Tracks
Workshop
| Wednesday, April 10, 2024 |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Room 210-211 |
Session Overview
The Finnish solution for tackling homelessness is simple. People experiencing homelessness need permanent accommodation and in many cases support.
Finland's housing policy has undergone significant shifts, with a prolonged focus on constructing state-subsidized affordable housing. In tandem with this evolution, a pivotal milestone was the adoption of the Finnish Housing First model in 2008, setting Finland apart as a global leader. Unlike many countries, the Housing First model seamlessly integrated into the national homelessness strategy, transcending the status of a mere pilot or project to become a fundamental paradigm guiding all homelessness initiatives.
A noteworthy thing of this approach is the transformation of hostels and emergency shelters into permanent housing, exemplifying the commitment to sustainable solutions. The Housing First model, central to this strategy, works in tandem with proactive preventive measures, recognizing the interdependence of the two in the effort to eliminate homelessness. In Finland, the simultaneous development of both components has not only provided secure housing for those who were homeless but has also worked diligently to minimize instances of homelessness from occurring in the first place.
The assertion that ending homelessness is not a utopian ideal but a tangible reality in Finland underscores the success of this comprehensive approach. Through a thoughtful combination of housing policies, innovative models, and preventive measures, Finland has demonstrated that homelessness can be effectively addressed and, in the future, ended.
Description
The Finnish solution for tackling homelessness is simple. People experiencing homelessness need permanent accommodation and in many cases support.
Finland's housing policy has undergone significant shifts, with a prolonged focus on constructing state-subsidized affordable housing. In tandem with this evolution, a pivotal milestone was the adoption of the Finnish Housing First model in 2008, setting Finland apart as a global leader. Unlike many countries, the Housing First model seamlessly integrated into the national homelessness strategy, transcending the status of a mere pilot or project to become a fundamental paradigm guiding all homelessness initiatives.
A noteworthy thing of this approach is the transformation of hostels and emergency shelters into permanent housing, exemplifying the commitment to sustainable solutions. The Housing First model, central to this strategy, works in tandem with proactive preventive measures, recognizing the interdependence of the two in the effort to eliminate homelessness. In Finland, the simultaneous development of both components has not only provided secure housing for those who were homeless but has also worked diligently to minimize instances of homelessness from occurring in the first place.
The assertion that ending homelessness is not a utopian ideal but a tangible reality in Finland underscores the success of this comprehensive approach. Through a thoughtful combination of housing policies, innovative models, and preventive measures, Finland has demonstrated that homelessness can be effectively addressed and, in the future, ended.
Sina Rasilainen
Senior Specialist
The Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland
Presenter
Sina Rasilainen is Senior Specialist in the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland. She is an expert in housing policy and homelessness. She has worked with the legislation of housing advice and in the national homelessness programs. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Sciences and teaches at the LUT University.
Ms. Mirka Järvinen
Project Coordinator
The Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland
Presenter
Mirka Järvinen works as a project coordinator in the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland. She has work experience from different aspects of social work, most the experience focuses on housing advice. She holds a Bachelors degree in Social Sciences and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Service design.
Juha Kahila
Head Of International Affairs
Y-Säätiö
Presenter
Juha Kahila is the Head of International Affairs of Y-Foundation, the biggest Finnish NGO providing housing for homeless people and social housing with a housing stock of 18 500 flats. He also coordinates the Nordic Homelessness Alliance and facilitates a workgroup in the Housing First Europe Hub.
Juha has an extensive work history in housing. Previously he has led the National Housing First development network in Finland. The network includes all the key stakeholders regarding homelessness work. Juha has also worked as a front-line support worker as well as a service manager and a CEO of a Housing First service provider.
He holds a master’s degree in social services.
Teija Ojankoski
CEO
Y-Foundation
Presenter
I have over 20 years of versatile experience in management and leadership. I'm a professional in strategy processes and implementing strategies both in municipal and company environments. My work history has given me in-depth knowledge of social housing and homelessness, its financial systems and development and its clients. I have wide experience working in and with municipal administration.
Work Experience:
- Chief Executive Officer, Y-Säätiö (Y-Foundation) from 3/2022
- Chief Executive Officer, VAV-Concern (Rental Housing Company) 1/2010-2/2022
- Director of the Housing Department at City of Vantaa 1/2002-12/2009
Academic background:
- Doctoral thesis of Small Town as a Living Environment from Geography's Perspective University of Turku, Department of Geography, Doctor in Philosophy 1998
- University of Turku, Department of Geography, Master of Science 1993
