r/europe 2d ago

Picture Every country stressing about homeless people, meanwhile Poland with double side benches:

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u/opinionate_rooster Slovenia 2d ago

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u/_VliegendeHollander_ The Netherlands 2d ago

How is it possible? Why isn't every East European homeless person moving to Finland?

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u/anoeba 2d ago

Read more about the program. It's an extremely well-run sustainable program and it has rules, including that the tenants pay rent (they either work, or they get benefits out of which they pay rent). The non-profit buys or builds housing and support staff is provided, but daily operations are funded through rent. The staff on site help with paperwork (like applying for benefits) various other supports, etc.

And there are rules to follow. It's housing without pre-conditions, not housing without conditions. The organization that runs it evicts active troublemakers because they would poison the whole environment for those trying to stabilize.

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u/_VliegendeHollander_ The Netherlands 1d ago

Thanks, do you have a link to read more? It sounds like for example someone doesn't get homeless in Finland when having a stable income but not wealthy enough for private rent or buying. Too good to be true.

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u/anoeba 1d ago

Well no, it's also for people on government benefits/support, and the workers help them apply and navigate the process. It's genuinely meant to be no barrier to entry, and then support to keep you there once you enter.

But yeah, if you're showing antisocial behavior and making the building feel unsafe for all the other vulnerable people, you don't belong. There's no point in allowing the majority of your clients to be harmed.

Google about how Y Foundation runs. Not the brief articles about Housing First that don't go into detail but more detailed analysis. It's an amazing and supportive program and it works because it has rules. The last time I looked it up their eviction rate was about 20%, which means their success rate was 80% which is really great.