Homelessness reform leaves Denmark’s count virtually unchanged
Monday 31st August 2026 on 18:31 in
Denmark
The number of registered homeless people in Denmark has remained virtually unchanged over the past two years, according to a new survey by Vive, the National Research and Analysis Centre for Welfare, reported by DR.
Vive recorded 6,028 homeless people in February 2026, compared with 5,989 in 2024. The increase of 39 people is so small that the figures are considered unchanged overall.
Social Minister Monika Rubin said she was “extremely disheartened” that homelessness had not fallen and that the effects of the 2023 homelessness reform could not yet be seen.
“I believe there is still untapped potential in the homelessness reform. And I know that the dignity reform, a new initiative for the most vulnerable, will make a difference for people living on the streets,” Rubin said in a statement from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
The 2023 reform was intended to change how municipalities support people experiencing homelessness. Under the Housing First approach, people are offered permanent housing first, followed by the necessary social support.
Vive senior researcher Lars Benjaminsen, who led the survey, said the figures alone could not explain why people became homeless or what effect the reform had.
“The survey is a count. In itself, it cannot say anything about which factors have contributed to homelessness,” he said.
Homelessness included several different situations during the counting week. A total of 482 people had slept outdoors, while 2,910 had stayed in shelters or care facilities. Another 1,375 people, known as sofa surfers, had stayed with family, friends or acquaintances.
The figures varied considerably between cities. In Copenhagen, the number of registered homeless people rose from 1,387 in 2024 to 1,572 this year. In Aarhus, it fell from 556 to 492. Odense had 153 registered homeless people.
Vive warned that the count includes uncertainty. Some homeless people may have had no contact with the authorities, while others may have been registered more than once. A further 526 homeless migrants without permanent residence were counted separately and are not included in the total of 6,028.