The following words are taken from the publication HOME FOR ALL, by Finland’s Y-Foundation.

Finland is the only country in the European Union where homelessness has been decreasing. The small Nordic country is hailed as a model for homelessness work and Finnish expertise is in high demand. One of the factors behind Finland’s success is the Y-Foundation, whose human yet effective operating model is internationally unique…

The Y-Foundation was established in 1985, when homelessness in Finland was alarmingly high…

Homelessness has decreased significantly in Finland in recent decades. This trend differs from that of other EU countries. The Y-Foundation has been a major developer and driving force of homelessness work in Finland.

The Y-Foundation is a Finnish non-profit foundation that is internationally recognized as one of the pioneers of homelessness work…

The Y-Foundation’s work is based on the Finnish Housing First model. According to this principle, the first thing you need is an apartment. Once you have that, you can start building the rest of your life. Other housing support services are accessed and provided later. An own apartment is a human right, not a reward that a person gets when everything else is in order.

This principle is very distinct from traditional homelessness work where a homeless person must first become rehabilitated and “fit for housing” before they are offered an apartment. The Housing First model also emphasises the residents’ independence, freedom of choice and integration into society…

Homes for all kinds of needs

The Y-Foundation rents two kinds of apartments: Y-Kodit apartments designed for special groups (or groups with special housing needs) and affordable M2-Kodit apartments…

The Y-Kodit apartments are designed for those who experience homelessness or face the threat of becoming homeless, and those who have trouble finding a home. Most of these apartments are studios or small one-bedroom apartments…

M2-Kodit is a subsidiary of the Y-Foundation that was established to offer affordable rental apartments to people who do not belong to the special groups mentioned above. The M2-Kodit apartments are regular rental flats and applicants with little private wealth or low income are prioritised in the resident selection process…

In addition to building and acquiring apartments, the Y-Foundation offers housing counselling and employment services for residents…

Key takeaways

Prioritise the person.
Homelessness is not a choice. An apartment is a human right, not a reward that a person gets when everything else is in order. The Housing First model based on this principle provides the basis for the Y-Foundation’s work and the Finnish homelessness work in general.

Create partnerships and cherish cooperation.
No one can end an issue as vast and pervasive as homelessness on their own. The Y-Foundation has worked closely and extensively with its Finnish and international partners since its establishment.

Set a specific main goal.
The main objective and most important contribution of the Y-Foundation to Finnish homelessness work is to build and acquire rental apartments. It was not an easy decision to limit the Foundation’s activities, but it helps organise operations and gain results.