Homelessness is a complex issue that affects many countries around the world. While no country has completely eliminated homelessness, some have made significant progress in reducing it through targeted policies and social support programs.
What is homelessness?
Homelessness refers to the condition of people without a permanent dwelling. The legal definition of homelessness varies between countries, but generally includes people living on the streets, in shelters, or in insecure and inadequate housing.
Some key factors that contribute to homelessness include:
- Lack of affordable housing
- Unemployment and poverty
- Mental illness and substance abuse disorders
- Family breakdown and domestic violence
- Natural disasters and housing crises
Countries with the lowest rates of homelessness
While no country has managed to completely end homelessness, some have made significant strides in reducing it through targeted policies. Countries with some of the lowest rates of homelessness in the world include:
Finland
Finland is widely regarded as having one of the most successful strategies for tackling homelessness. The country pioneered a “Housing First” approach beginning in 2007, which provides permanent housing to homeless people as a first step before addressing other health and social service needs.
Key elements of Finland’s strategy include:
- Providing long-term housing units owned by non-profit organisations or local governments
- Offering tailored support services for mental health issues, substance abuse, and unemployment
- Preventing evictions through financial support and debt counseling
Between 2008 and 2019, Finland reduced homelessness by over 35%. In 2019, there were approximately 4,600 homeless people, down from nearly 8,000 in 2008.
Denmark
Denmark adopted a similar Housing First approach to Finland beginning in 2009. Local municipalities provide immediate access to stable housing for the homeless. The housing is then supplemented by mental health, employment, and addiction services.
From 2009 to 2019, Denmark reduced homelessness by almost 50%. In 2020, it was estimated there were 6,431 homeless people in Denmark, one of the lowest rates in Europe.
Norway
Norway initiated a national homelessness strategy in 2006 focused on preventative measures. This includes targeted social welfare programs and ensuring adequate affordable housing.
Key policies include:
- Right to housing by law
- Homeless support centers in major cities
- Housing allowances for low-income families
- Homeless mediation services to resolve disputes
Homelessness in Norway decreased by 35% between 2012 to 2016. In 2016, there were approximately 3,909 homeless people.
Hungary
Hungary has one of the lowest rates of homelessness in the European Union. The country enacted constitutional changes in 2012 recognizing the right to social housing.
Key policies include:
- Expanded social housing programs
- Housing allowances for low-income people
- Comprehensive homeless services in major cities
Between 2014 to 2017, homelessness decreased by more than 50%. Today it is estimated there are around 10,000 homeless people in Hungary.
Policies and strategies to reduce homelessness
The successful strategies adopted by countries like Finland, Denmark, Norway and Hungary provide models that can be replicated to tackle homelessness:
Housing First approach
The Housing First principle of providing permanent housing before addressing other issues has proven successful. Having a stable home provides a foundation for improving health, employment, and social outcomes.
Prevention services
Preventative services like financial support, debt consolidation, tenancy dispute resolution, and family mediation can stop the loss of housing that leads to homelessness.
Affordable housing
Increasing the supply of affordable low-income and social housing accommodations is key. This requires long-term investment by governments.
Social welfare programs
Comprehensive social welfare including housing allowances, unemployment support, disability payments, and mental health services can reduce poverty and other risk factors for homelessness.
Barriers to eliminating homelessness
While achieving low rates of homelessness is possible with concerted effort, eliminating it entirely faces some systemic challenges:
- Chronic poverty makes housing unaffordable for many vulnerable people
- Mental health issues and substance abuse make independent living difficult for some
- Scarcity of affordable housing in cities with rising populations
- Refugees and migrants may lack social security and struggle to find housing
- Domestic violence causes housing instability especially for women
Table of homelessness statistics
| Country | Estimated homeless population | Homelessness rate (per 10,000 people) |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | 4,600 | 0.83 |
| Denmark | 6,431 | 1.11 |
| Norway | 3,909 | 0.75 |
| Hungary | 10,000 | 1.02 |
| United States | 552,830 | 17 |
| Australia | 116,427 | 50 |
Sources: European Observatory on Homelessness, OECD Affordable Housing Database, US HUD 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, Homelessness Australia
Key takeaways
- No country has fully eliminated homelessness but Finland, Denmark, Norway and Hungary have achieved very low rates through targeted policies.
- A Housing First approach of providing permanent housing before other services has proven highly effective.
- Preventative measures like income support and tenancy protection stop people from becoming homeless.
- Mental illness, addiction and poverty make homelessness challenging to completely eradicate.
- With sustained government commitment and the right policies homelessness can be significantly reduced.
Conclusion
Homelessness persists to some degree in even the most prosperous societies. However, the success of countries like Finland, Denmark, Norway and Hungary demonstrates it is possible to dramatically reduce the rates of homelessness with targeted policies focused on affordable housing, prevention and social welfare. While difficult to completely eliminate due to interconnected issues like poverty, mental health and addiction, prioritizing the housing needs of the most vulnerable groups can lead to societies where homelessness is rare rather than commonplace.