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Asunnottomuus

Homelessness

Published27.02.2025
If you do not have permanent housing, and you are not officially a tenant or a subtenant, you are considered homeless. In Finland, the wellbeing services counties offer services to the unhoused.

If you are homeless

If you do not have a home, contact the social services (sosiaalipalvelut) of the area where you are staying. You can find the contact information on the wellbeing services county’s website. Social services can help you look for an apartment or temporary housing. Temporary housing options include a dorm-style shelter, night shelter or an apartment intended for the unhoused.

In the evenings and on weekends, please contact Social and Crisis Emergency Services (sosiaali- ja kriisipäivystys). You can find the contact information on the wellbeing services county’s website.

You can also ask for advice from the guidance service for immigrants provided by the municipality. Many municipalities offer advice in several languages.

If you are homeless and would like advice on residence permit matters or the right to use services in Finland, you can contact No Fixed Abode NGO (Vailla vakinaista asuntoa ry)’s services for foreign-language speakers. During the day, you can ask for advice in Finnish, English or Bulgarian.

No Fixed Abode NGO
Tel. 044 260 3818

At night-time, you can ask for advice from Night Centre Kalkkers (Yökeskus Kalkkers). This is a crisis centre for homeless people and open for six months from autumn to spring. You can find the contact information on Kalkkers’ website.

If you are under 30 years of age, you can also contact Ohjaamo. You can find the contact information for Ohjaamo units in different cities on the Ohjaamo website.

Link redirects to another websiteMinistry of Social Affairs and Health

Wellbeing services counties on the map
FinnishSwedishEnglishSami

Link redirects to another websiteNo Fixed Abode NGO

Association for the homeless
FinnishEnglish

Link redirects to another websiteVailla vakinaista asuntoa ry

Kalkkers Night Café
FinnishEnglish

Link redirects to another websiteOhjaamot.fi

Ohjaamo
FinnishSwedishEnglish

If your home is damaged

If you have home insurance and your home is damaged as a result of a fire or water damage, for example, contact your insurance company immediately. Home insurance may cover the rent for a temporary flat.

If you are unable to pay your rent

If you have financial problems, you should always pay your rent first and then other payments and debts. If you are unable to pay the rent, contact the lessor and try to agree on an extended payment schedule. Read more on the InfoFinland page Financial problems.

Information on the housing allowance granted by Kela is available on the InfoFinland page Housing allowance.

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