Homelessness has increased in Espoo
Homelessness increased in Espoo in 2025. There is still a need for services for the homeless and preventive measures.
According to a homelessness survey conducted in late 2025 by the Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction (Varken), there were 447 homeless people who live alone in Espoo. The number of homeless people who live alone increased by 43 people compared to the previous year. Homelessness is not only increasing among people who live alone, but also among families with children. According to the homelessness survey, there were 14 homeless families with children in Espoo. The number rose by a few families compared to the previous year.
The decline in long-term homelessness has been reversed. Prolonged and repeated long-term homelessness of more than one year has remained at the same level as before, there are now 114 people who are long-term homeless.
Homelessness has increased in all recorded groups: women, young people under the age of 25, and groups with a foreign background.
A large share of the homeless in Espoo foremost stay temporarily with friends and relatives due to a lack of housing.
According to Tapio Nieminen, Director of Adult Social Services in the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, homelessness, and the threat of becoming homeless have become increasingly visible in client work. Kela-provided benefits do not always provide sufficient relief for housing problems. This is reflected as a growing need for financial support from the wellbeing services county, social guidance in financial and housing matters, or subsidised housing and temporary and emergency housing services.
“The poor employment and economic situation and the simultaneous cuts in the benefits system have increased homelessness. The City of Espoo strives to reduce homelessness by offering housing advice, but not all people in need of housing are able to find a sufficiently affordable apartment and not all evictions can be prevented,” says Anne Savolainen, Housing Manager for the City of Espoo.
The City of Espoo and the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County are currently engaged in a collaboration project to eliminate long-term homelessness. The project is subsidised by the Programme to End Long-term Homelessness set up by the Ministry of the Environment. The aim of the project is for the city and the wellbeing services county, together with other actors, to build permanent operating models for eliminating and preventing long-term homelessness so that the number of long-term homeless will not increase after the programme period.
Enquiries:
- Tapio Nieminen, tel. +358 50 328 6764
Service Line Director, Adult Social Services, Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County - Anne Savolainen, tel. +358 40 353 3582
Housing Manager, City of Espoo
Previous news about the collaboration project to eliminate long-term homelessness: