Homeless Night highlights hidden homelessness across Finland

Today marks Homeless Night, an event celebrated annually in over 20 locations across Finland in conjunction with the United Nations’ International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This year’s theme focuses on hidden homelessness. According to the Association of Individuals Without Permanent Accommodation, hidden homelessness refers to situations where a person may be registered at an address but cannot actually reside there due to factors such as violence or other circumstances. This form of homelessness often remains unaccounted for in official statistics.

The Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland reported that at the end of last year, there were more than 3,400 single homeless individuals and 123 homeless families in the country. The number of homeless people decreased by 260 compared to the previous year.