Finland is one of the only countries in the EU where homelessness is decreasing, so I was incredibly grateful to spend nearly four full days with the Y-Foundation in Helsinki. If I could describe the experience in one word it would be access; I met with multiple program coordinators, toured four housing buildings, and met with the CEO of this transformative organization.
The Y-Foundation offers affordable rental units for those experiencing or near to falling into homelessness. They work with 50 cities and municipalities across Finland, and are the fourth largest landlord in the country. They both acquire residential dwellings from housing companies to serve as scattered housing, as well as building housing units.
Through a coordinated effort with cities and social services they are able to provide leases directly to the tenants. This gives them the freedom and ownership of housing security that we all deserve. Everyone gets a clean slate.
One of my favorite takeaways was how much input the residents have. Tenants in the shared housing have weekly meetings where they decide on the house rules, changes they want to make, and how to use the building budget. Every resident at Väinölä Supported Housing got to weigh in on whether I, an American, was welcome to visit and if they wanted to speak with me.
Please see this link for photos, I have included notes in the comments.
1. Jullukka Housing for Musicians, cafe on the ground floor
2. Finnish Youth Housing
3. Y-Foundation office; client meeting area
4. Scattered housing apartment
5. Väinölä Supported Housing
6. 'Low threshold' work project
7. The Red Cross Helsinki Emergency Youth Shelter; meeting
8. Former shelter turned into apartments
Please see Instagram link below for photos of my touring around Helsinki, and "A Home of Your Own" reading post for more information on the Y-Foundation.
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