By Nasibeh Hedayati, Ph.D., Researcher at Sininauhasäätiö, a member organisation of FEANTSA

In the heart of Finland's capital, the #MASE project funded by ARA sheds light on immigrant homelessness. Preliminary findings reveal systemic challenges, particularly during the transition from reception centers to municipal services. The study underscores language barriers, economic factors, and impending social benefit reforms as contributors to the issue. Shockingly, 26% of homeless individuals and 67% of homeless families in the capital region had immigrant backgrounds in 2022.

As the government plans to enforce a new integration act in 2025, the article emphasizes the crucial role of integration policies in preventing discrimination and homelessness. It urges early and comprehensive integration plans, tailored to individual needs, to equip immigrants with essential skills and knowledge.

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