Finland’s youth homelessness surges nearly 40% as housing crisis deepens

Homelessness in Finland has risen for the second consecutive year, with youth homelessness increasing by nearly 40%, according to a January report by Varken, the state-subsidised housing development centre.

The total number of homeless people grew by 20% in 2025 compared to the previous year, but the rise was sharpest among young people under 25, where cases jumped by 39%. Long-term homelessness also increased for the first time in five years, rising by 294 individuals.

### Hidden homelessness among young people Many young homeless individuals, like 19-year-old Juho Vaaramaa from Rovaniemi, are not captured in official statistics. After losing his home last summer, Vaaramaa spent nights on his grandmother’s sofa—a common but invisible form of homelessness known as “piiloasunnottomuus” (hidden homelessness).

“When I got to my grandma’s place, it felt like at least now I had somewhere to go. It was a huge relief,” Vaaramaa said in an interview with Yle.

Yet even temporary solutions are scarce. Rovaniemi’s housing market is strained by seasonal tourism, with many apartments rented short-term through platforms like Airbnb. Vaaramaa criticised the trend, saying: “Shut down that damn Airbnb—it’s making things worse.”

### Cities and social cuts fuel the crisis The report highlights that homelessness is most severe in major cities, with Helsinki, Joensuu, Vaasa, Kotka, Pori, and Rovaniemi seeing significant increases. In November 2025, Rovaniemi recorded a 76% surge in overall homelessness compared to the previous year.

Hanna Janger, a regional worker at NAL Rovaniemi—an organisation providing housing for 18–29-year-olds—said demand has spiked, with even older adults now seeking help. “Homelessness among young people is lasting longer. Finding stable housing is harder than ever,” she said.

The Nuorisoasuntoliitto (NAL), a youth housing association, attributes the rise to cuts in social security benefits and a lack of affordable housing. “Reductions in social welfare and support services are clearly pushing more people into homelessness,” said Tuulia Hongisto, NAL’s executive director.

### Broader trends in 2025 Last year’s data revealed growing homelessness across multiple groups: – Young people (under 25): 761 individuals (+39%) – Women: 1,023 individuals (+24%) – Long-term homeless: 1,306 individuals (+29%) – Foreign-born individuals: 966 individuals (+22%) – Men: 3,556 individuals (+19%)

Over half of Finland’s homeless population lives in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Meanwhile, only 68 homeless families were recorded in Varken’s 2025 survey, though experts warn official figures undercount hidden cases.

Finland has tracked homelessness since 1987, but advocates say current policies—including funding cuts for homelessness prevention programmes—are worsening the crisis.