Homelessness on the rise again in Finland – The Red Cross works to prevent homelessness
The Night of the Homeless is held annually on 17 October, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty declared by the UN. The Finnish Red Cross offers support for and prevents homelessness, and is again involved in the Night of the Homeless events around Finland.
More and more people are at risk of losing their homes. In 2024, homelessness started to rise in Finland for the first time since 2012 (source: Report by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (in Finnish)). The risk of homelessness has been increased by the rising cost of living and cuts to social benefits, among other factors. Homelessness affects not only marginalised people, but also students, working people with low incomes, families with children, single parents and pensioners.
Homelessness increases insecurity
Housing is a fundamental right, and a home is the basis for a dignified life. Homelessness causes deep insecurity for the individual and is a phenomenon that undermines the security of society as a whole.
“We prevent homelessness through substance abuse work (page in Finnish), prison visits, Youth Shelters and by supporting young people in finding and retaining an apartment, among other ways. We also offer other free low-threshold support and guidance, such as health advice (page in Finnish) and food aid", says Planning Officer for Social Well-Being Heidi Korvela from the Finnish Red Cross.
Night of the Homeless held on 17 October
The theme of the 2025 Night of the Homeless is "No Home, No Shelter". Events will be organised once again in different parts of the country (page in Finnish).
The Finnish Red Cross is participating in events in the following places:
Jyväskylä: 17 October. Various forms of assistance for people experiencing homelessness.
Kajaani: Kajaani Parish Hall, 17 October, 5–8 PM. Clothing, refreshments, live music, and socializing. Also present are Red Cross volunteers offering emotional support and a first aid team.
Kokkola: Länsipuisto, 17 October, 6–8 PM. Grilling sausages and pancakes, hygiene supplies, haircuts, clothing distribution, blood pressure checks, and live music. Also includes guidance, social interaction, and community engagement.
Kuopio: Kuopio Market Square, 17 October, 5–8 PM
Vegetable soup from a field kitchen. Discussions, music, stories, experiences, interviews, poetry, and a shoe installation illustrating homelessness statistics.
Loimaa: Loimaa Market Square, 17 October, 4–6 PM. Speeches, food and drinks, and free clothing distribution. Also includes winter clothing and wool sock distribution, and a health check-up station.
Muhos: Muhos Market Square, 17 October, 6–8 PM. Food service and music. Experts from organizations offer help and support to homeless residents.
Oulu: Tuiran Church, Myllytie 5, 17 October, 5–9 PM. Warm food, access to washing facilities, haircuts, clothing and hygiene kit distribution, Red Cross health station. Possibility to stay overnight at the church. Conversations with Red Cross health volunteers, deacons, and Crisis Center volunteers.
Pirkkala: Suupantori, 17 October, 3–6 PM. Food service, sausage grilling, and clothing distribution. Also includes stand-up comedy, music, and a speech by the mayor. Experts from various organizations provide information and support to residents.
Porvoo: Runeberginkatu 32, inner courtyard, 17 October, 5–9 PM. Sausages, coffee, and tea. Discussions and donation distribution. At the Red Cross tent: socks, surplus food, and clothing collection. Program includes music, ear acupuncture, and art from the Kosmos cultural workshop.
Rauma: Toivontalo inner courtyard, Lyseokatu 7, 17 October, 6–9 PM. Hash, sausages, coffee, and tea. Donation reception and distribution to visitors, Red Cross health station. Program includes music performances, lighting a fire, and face painting for children.
Rovaniemi: Lordi’s Square, 17 October, 6–9 PM. Pancakes, sausages, pastries, and coffee. Distribution of winter coats, wool socks, and reflectors. Health station and support chair available, with music performances.
Seinäjoki: Main Library Apila, Alvar Aallonkatu 14. October 17th, 10 AM–4 PM.
Housing and financial counseling. Concert and program for both adults and children. During weeks 42–43, the main library highlights the theme of homelessness. Book exhibition, as well as images and informational displays about homelessness and the importance of having a home.
Tampere: Meeting Place Tampuri, Otavalankatu 12a, 18 October, 1–9 PM. Food and drink service and distribution of donated items. Health and service guidance and social interaction.
Turku: Cathedral Square, 17 October, 6–9 PM. Food service, clothing and hygiene item distribution, barber station, health station, and pop-up therapy point. Program includes speeches and music performances. Overnight stay possible at the Cathedral. Breakfast served the next morning, 18 October, 7–11 AM at Elokolo (Yliopistonkatu 10).
Vaasa: Vaasa Main Library, Drama Hall, 17 October, approx. 4–9 PM. Representatives from the Swedish District of Ostrobothnia will be present to share information about undocumented people and distribute knitted socks made by Vasa Svenska.
