Homelessness in Finland on the rise for second year running – Red Cross offers support

Cuts to social security, coupled with rising living costs and rents, are putting people under growing financial strain and increasing the risk of homelessness.

Homelessness in Finland has been on the rise for two years in a row. In 2024, homelessness in Finland began to rise for the first time since 2012 (source: Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction, in Finnish). 

In November 2025, there were 20 per cent more homeless people living alone in Finland than the previous year.

“Homelessness is not just a problem faced by those who have fallen through the cracks in society’s safety net. The high cost of housing and financial difficulties increase the risk of homelessness for people in a wide range of life situations, such as low-income workers, students and families with children. Not having a home of one’s own causes a deep sense of insecurity,” says Petra Lemmetty, a specialist in supporting inclusion from the Finnish Red Cross.

A home provides the foundation for a worthwhile life and strengthens the sense of inclusion. Our work to prevent homelessness includes substance abuse support, prison visits, youth shelters and helping young people who are becoming independent to find their own home and keep it. We also offer other free, easily accessible support services, such as food aid, health promotion and online discussion support.

Finnish Red Cross to take part in Night of the Homeless

The Night of the Homeless is organised to honour the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which is observed annually on 17 October. 

The Night of the Homeless event raises awareness of homelessness, poverty, social exclusion and inequality. 

The theme for the 2026 Night of the Homeless is Visible, Yet Invisible – Male Homelessness in Finland (in Finnish).

The Red Cross will take part in the Night of the Homeless in the following towns and cities (the list is being updated):

Forssa: Forssa Market Square, Torikatu. 17 October, 5:00–8:00 pm. The joint event will feature music, distribution of food, clothing and hygiene supplies, material assistance, basic fire-extinguishing training, and guidance services.

Hämeenlinna: Hämeenlinna Market Square and Palokunnankatu 20. 17 October, 4:00–8:00 pm. At this joint event organized by local NGOs, the Finnish Red Cross Health Point will offer blood pressure and blood sugar checks and distribute essential items. Material assistance such as bread, snacks, hot juice, woollen socks and mittens will also be available, along with opportunities for supportive conversations.

Iisalmi: Pohjoinen Puistoraitti. 17 October, 3:00–8:00 pm. The event will offer warm soup, coffee, tea and rolls. There will also be a painting workshop, peer support, discussions, clothing distribution, and information about first aid and Red Cross activities.

Joroinen: Myrskylyhty Activity Centre, Koskentie 9. 16 October, 11:00 am–1:00 pm (please note the date and time). The joint event will include a community lunch and coffee, as well as opportunities for supportive discussion and possibly social counselling.

Jämsä: Parking area behind Forum, Talvialantie 2. 16 October, 4:00–8:30 pm (please note the date and time). Organized by Central Finland Wellbeing Services County's adult social work services and local organizations, the event will offer food, clothing and goods distribution, music, a homelessness-themed exhibition, and presentations of Red Cross activities. The event will also mark the opening of Walk in Olkkari, a low-threshold meeting place for people who use substances. Services include health advice, social counselling, access to washing facilities and laundry services, and a warm meal.

Kajaani: Raatihuone Square (Kauppakatu 32), Kajaani Main Church (Kirkkokatu 19) and Kajaani Day Centre (Kainuunkatu 9). 17 October, 5–9 pm. This jointly organized event begins at the square with an opening speech and music, after which the programme continues at the church and day centre. The day centre will serve pea soup, grilled sausages and donated woollen socks. The church programme includes a quiz, music, a collaborative art project, and opportunities to meet professionals from social work, diaconal services and housing guidance and receive support.

Kokkola: Villa Hietala, Laajalahdentie 83 A. 17 October, 6:00–10:00 pm. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal, use the sauna and spend time together. Soup, pancakes, snacks and winter jackets will be available. Staff members and volunteers from various organizations will also be present to provide guidance, conversation and support in accessing services.

Kotka: Finnish Red Cross Kotka Branch, Tarinatie 2. 15 October, 11:00 am–3:00 pm (please note the date and time). Free distribution of clothing and household items, along with soup and coffee. Participants can also receive support, guidance and opportunities for discussion.

Kuopio: Harbour Market Square, Kauppakatu 1. 17 October, 2:00–5:00 pm. The event will feature the traditional Night of the Homeless bonfires, speeches, music, dance performances and presentations by different organizations. Visitors can enjoy soup served from a field kitchen, grilled sausages, free haircuts provided by Hair'n Roll, and donated goods. Guidance, advice and opportunities for conversation and connection will also be available.

Kuusankoski (Kouvola): Kouvolan Kipinä Association, Kauppakatu 5 A. 17 October, 5:00–7:30 pm. The joint event will offer food, companionship and an opportunity to discuss participants' needs and wishes. Supportive conversations and social interaction will also be available.

Laukaa: Retrokeidas, Saravedentie 1, 17 October, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM. The joint event includes a Red Cross community food aid event.

Mikkeli: Church Park, Savilahdenkatu 4. 16 October 2026, 2.00–3.30 pm (please note the date and time). Joint event featuring speeches, musical performances and the Night of the Homeless bonfires. Free haircuts, an evening snack and peer support discussions are available.

Muhos: Kirkkotie 32. 17 October, 4–7 pm. Joint event offering soup, food bags, hygiene products, pet food, warm clothing and woollen socks for those in need. The Poppaloora mobile library will distribute withdrawn library books. Various organizations will be present to provide support, advice and opportunities to connect.

Nokia: Pirkkalaistori 1. 17 October, all day. Donated blankets and pillows will be distributed.

Nurmijärvi (Rajamäki): Aputupa, Kievarintie 14 B 8, and Rajamäki Village House, Villentie 2. 17 October, 12 noon–7 pm. Joint event with clothing and hygiene item distribution, warm meals, support and guidance. The programme includes music, a speech by a formerly homeless person, karaoke and a raffle. Several local organizations will be present offering help, information and opportunities to meet.

Oulu: Rotuaari. 17 October, 2–6 pm and Tuira Church (Myllytie 5), 17 October from 5 pm onwards. The joint event at Rotuaari will feature speeches, music and grilled sausages. Hygiene packages and clothing, including winter coats and woollen socks, will be distributed. The Red Cross first aid activity point focuses on preventing drug-related deaths. Psychosocial support volunteers will be available for discussions and support. The joint event at Tuira Church will offer food, clothing and woollen socks, as well as washing facilities. The Finnish Red Cross Oulu Branch Health Point will also be present, offering services such as blood pressure checks, as well as information and support on health-related matters.

Pirkkala: Suupantori. 17 October, 1–4 pm. Programme includes music, speeches, a stand-up performance by amateur theatre Pirha, a magic show by Akron and performances by Nääsville’s active senior men. Free sausages, coffee and sweet buns will be served.

Pori: Puuvilla Shopping Centre, Siltapuistokatu 14. 16 October, 12–2.30 pm (please note the time). Joint event with speeches and a varied programme. Discussion support, opportunities to connect and information on services and activities will be available.

Rovaniemi: Neuvokas, Rovakatu 23. 15 October, 5–8 pm (please note the time). Joint event offering discussion support related to homelessness and life situations. Volunteers providing psychosocial support, a MielenTila point and a Health Point offering health advice and blood pressure checks will be present. The JOIKU point provides guidance on benefits and services. Material assistance and an evening snack will also be available.

Salo: Vaihto 90 yard, Tehdaskatu. 17 October, 4–9 pm. Joint event featuring live music, speeches, sausage and pancake grilling, coffee and a candle-lighting ceremony. Food aid, clothing, socks and winter clothing are available, as well as discussion support, first aid and psychosocial support. The Red Cross Health Point offers blood pressure, blood sugar and grip-strength measurements as well as health counselling.

Seinäjoki: Activity House, Kasperinviita 13. 20 October, 1–3 pm (please note the time). Joint event offering a free meal for pre-registered homeless people and people on low incomes, as well as clothing distribution. The Red Cross Health Point provides blood pressure and blood sugar checks and health counselling. The programme also includes a homelessness exhibition created by SeAMK students and activity stations such as grip-strength testing. Housing, substance abuse and peer-support organizations will provide advice, assistance with benefit applications and information on local support services.

Siilinjärvi: Yaran Juttutupa, Toritie 8–10. 16 October, 5–7 pm (please note the time). Night of the Homeless bonfires will be lit. The event focuses on togetherness and conversation. An evening snack, woollen socks and hygiene products will be available for those in need.

Tampere: Kumppanuustalo Artteli, Mustanlahdenkatu 22. 17 October, 2–9 pm. Joint event featuring a panel discussion on homelessness, music and live performances. Clothing, hygiene products, woollen socks, mittens, hats, warm meals, coffee, tea and refreshments will be available. Visitors can receive low-threshold guidance, advice and support. Red Cross first aid services, psychosocial support volunteers and a Health Point offering health counselling will be present.

Turku: Cathedral Square. 17 October, 6–9 pm. Joint event featuring the Red Cross mobile health unit, distribution of clothing and hygiene products, and canned pea soup. Visitors can access discussion support, health advice, winter clothing, woollen socks, possible overnight accommodation through the parish, and information and support from various organizations.

Vaasa: Korsholmanpuistikko 44, 17 October, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM. The collaborative event programme includes live music, a multidisciplinary panel discussion, and an overview of the housing situation in Vaasa. Clothing and guidance will be available for those in need. Vaasa Food Aid will provide sandwiches and refreshments.

Valkeakoski: Walpuri, Valtakatu 16. 17 October, 4–7 pm. Joint event offering soup, grilled sausages and winter clothing. Health advice and support from the Health Point, as well as other guidance, counselling and opportunities to connect, will be available.

Virrat: Red Cross premises, Keskustie 7. 17 October, 6–10 pm. Open house for young people. The programme includes socializing and board games. Juice, coffee, sandwiches, sweet buns and other snacks will be served. A safe environment for spending time together and meeting others is provided.