Keynote Address – Ending Homelessness and Housing First in Finland

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The presentation outlines the principles of the Finnish homelessness policy which since 2008 has led into a significant decrease in homelessness. The key elements of this holistic approach and the role of systemic Housing First are discussed. The presentation also describes the role of different housing options, support arrangements, and the role of affordable social housing supply. Also the recent challenges homelessness work is facing due to a recession are presented.

Presenters

M2 KODIT JUHA KAAKINEN KUVA KIRSI TUURA FREELANCER

Juha Kaakinen

Professor of Practice, University of Tampere

Juha Kaakinen is a Professor of Practice in the faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere,  Before retiring in 2022 he was for nine years the CEO of Y-Foundation, which is the biggest nationwide NGO  providing housing for homeless people and affordable social housing with 19000 apartments. He is an experienced developer of public administration and social and health services. He has also worked as a programme leader of the national programme to end long-term homelessness, and as a researcher and a consultant. He has written over 50 articles and research reports on homelessness, housing and social services. He is internationally known as an experienced and passionate developer of innovative housing solutions to homeless people and affordable social housing.