# Rising homelessness and poverty in Finland and Sweden

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/homelessness-and-poverty-in-finland-and-sweden
> Updated: 2026-10-17T05:59:11.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Homelessness in Finland has entered a period of growth after more than a decade of decline. Following a 20 percent increase in single-person homelessness in 2025, experts warn that the trend is now affecting increasingly diverse demographics, including families, the elderly, and working individuals.

Teija Ojankoski, CEO of Y-Säätiö, noted that income poverty has returned as a primary driver of homelessness after being largely mitigated in the early 2020s. Amnesty International expert Mariko Sato characterized the rising trend as an ‘alarming human rights issue,’ emphasizing that stable housing is a prerequisite for rights such as health, education, and employment.

Political tension has emerged regarding the Orpo government’s policies. Pinja Perholehto of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) criticized social security cuts and reduced funding for preventive housing counseling as factors exacerbating the crisis. Perholehto specifically highlighted a significant rise in youth homelessness, noting that the number of homeless individuals under 25 increased by 37 percent in 2025. Data from the Youth Housing Association indicates that one in four people facing eviction is a male under the age of 30.

## Claims

- Homelessness is affecting a more diverse range of people, including working individuals, families with children, and the elderly. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Social security cuts made during the current government term have increased the risk of homelessness for low-income earners. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The number of people in need of assistance has clearly increased. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Homelessness has risen to an alarming human rights issue in Finland in recent years. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Income poverty, which had been virtually eliminated in the early 2020s, has returned as a cause of homelessness. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Homelessness in Finland has increased during the current government term after 12 years of positive development. (single source)
- The number of homeless people under the age of 25 increased by 37 percent in 2025. (single source)
- The government has halved the funding for preventive housing counseling. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: Finland homelessness rates rise amid social security cuts

Homelessness in Finland is rising after a decade of decline, affecting diverse groups including families and the elderly. Experts cite income poverty and social security cuts as key drivers.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/finland-homelessness-rates-rise-amid-social-security-cuts

### 2026-10-15: Finland and Sweden address rising poverty and homelessness

As the UN marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Finland faces rising homelessness while Swedish advocates warn against framing poverty as an individual rather than a systemic issue.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/finland-and-sweden-address-rising-poverty-and-homelessness

### 2026-10-15: Finland faces rising homelessness as single-person cases increase

Homelessness in Finland is rising, with single-person homelessness increasing by 20 percent in 2025. Organizations are calling for a national program and increased funding for housing counseling.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/finland-faces-rising-homelessness-as-single-person-cases-increase

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Cite as: Rising homelessness and poverty in Finland and Sweden. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/homelessness-and-poverty-in-finland-and-sweden