Finland Solved Homelessness: Here's How (Spoiler: It's More Than Housing First)

Finland's remarkable success in reducing homelessness is often credited to the innovative Housing First approach. This model offers stable housing as the primary intervention, complemented by essential support services to address the root causes of homelessness and help individuals rebuild their lives. Amid the escalating homelessness crisis in the United States, evidence-backed solutions like Housing First often take a back seat to counterproductive measures like criminalizing poverty and conducting homeless sweeps. While skeptics argue that Finland's achievements cannot be replicated in America, Invisible People embarked on a transformative journey to Helsinki, Finland, to explore the potential of implementing the Housing First approach on a large scale in the United States. What's even more striking is that Housing First was born in America. Yet, Finland has embraced it and witnessed an incredible reduction in homelessness, plummeting from over 20,000 homeless people to less than 4,000 in just a decade.
Countless media outlets have highlighted Finland's achievements in homelessness reduction, with the Housing First model at the forefront. However, our investigation uncovered that the Finnish approach goes beyond Housing First. Finland's strategy involves prioritizing the development of affordable housing and cultivating a culture genuinely dedicated to improving homeless services to house people quickly and permanently. While Housing First has played a significant role in their success, it's just one piece of the puzzle.
Unlike the United States, where the emphasis often lies solely on housing placement, Finland recognizes that people need more than just a roof over their heads to thrive. In Finland, they prioritize placing the individual within the housing unit, ensuring that they have a sense of purpose rather than merely survival.
Invisible People is known for its dedication to telling the authentic stories of homelessness, offering viewers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of those experiencing it firsthand. In this special episode, we take our commitment to authenticity to the next level by providing the most genuine and comprehensive look into Housing First that has ever been captured on video. Our mission is to shed light on the realities of homelessness, challenge preconceptions, and explore viable solutions. Join us as we dive deep into Finland's remarkable approach, presenting an authentic narrative that showcases the transformative power of compassionate policies and affordable housing.
Special thanks for support in Finland:
Y-Säätiö ysaatio.fi
Sininauhasäätiö | Blue Ribbon Foundation sininauhasaati...
Salvation Army www.pelastusar...
No Fixed Abode vvary.fi/in-en...
City of Helsinki www.hel.fi/en
Jan Vapaavuori vapaavuori.net/en
Executive producer: Mark Horvath
Producer/editor/cinematographer: Alex Gasaway / / alexgasaway
Special thanks:
Diane Yentel and the National Low Income Housing Coalition
Mark Donovan, Founder of the Denver Basic Income Project
Donors who supported our GoFundMe
More stories:
America Can End Homelessness: Hennepin County Proves It's Possible • America Can End Homele...
From a Tent to a Home: No Longer Homeless • From a Tent to a Home:...
==================================
Subscribe here: www.youtube.co...
Invisible People’s website:
invisiblepeople.tv
Support Invisible People:
invisiblepeopl...
Sign up for our newsletter: invisiblepeopl...
Invisible People’s Social Media:
/ invisiblepeople
/ invisiblepeople
/ invisiblepeople
/ invisiblepeopletv
/ invisiblepeopletv
About Invisible People
There is a direct correlation between what the general public perceives about homelessness and how it affects policy change. Most people blame homelessness on the person experiencing it instead of the increasing shortage of affordable housing, lack of employment, childhood trauma, lack of a living wage, or the countless reasons that put a person at risk. This lack of understanding creates a dangerous cycle of misperception that leads to the inability to effectively address the root causes of homelessness.
Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change and thoughtful dialogue around poverty in North America and the United Kingdom.

[@CarissaNelson-n1t]

I'm living in housing like this in America. They turned a motel into an apartment complex. I am now addiction free mentally stable and working a great job.

[@ingridakerblom7577]

Keep up the good work! 👍 ❤

[@odrisrosario2465]

Blessings 🎉🎉🎉 ❤❤❤

[@daysofsaltandlight]

Where in the US are motels converted in this way?

[@HousnaA]

Good for you. Keep up the fight against addiction.

[@1Surt]

of course you are, cupcake. Others are fooled by words on the internet. I want proof of what you claim.

[@mimi_elk.7614]

YOU CAN NEVER GET SO LOW THAT WE WILL NOT BE BESIDE YOU❤. Well done Finland 🇫🇮

[@Azubjourni]

Now this is a statement!!!!

[@Azubjourni]

​@@jayclarke6671Good on you brother for taking the initiative!

[@Tattooedladyd]

I don’t see that ever happening in the US. Too much corruption and greed.

[@KittyCatMo]

❤❤❤

[@dandychiggins6802]

So we can send you our homeless? What's your address?

[@chinookvalley]

As an American, I lived homeless for 2 years following a devastating car wreck. I could have gone into a shelter but I was not willing to give up my family, my dogs. I met many, many other homeless people who felt the same way. I was making $250K a year before the wreck which caused a TBI and multiple physical disabilities. It was a judge's daughter who hit me and I never saw a dime. Most homeless people I met were not addicts, but fell thru the cracks when trying to get help.

[@birdlady2725]

This is awful! I wonder if the Institute for Justice would help you (or bring it to a tv station). I cannot imagine that horror and instability of survival. Be safe!

[@poptartmadison3216]

It's sad but most American's don't want to admit we're all about 2-3 paychecks away from being homeless. If you lose your job suddenly you lose everything in this country. I'm sorry to hear about what you had to endure, hope you're doing better these days

[@robynalvin2849]

This is also unconscionable. I live in Charlotte, North Carolina and there’s a huge homelessness population here. It hurts my heart to see it. I don’t know what to do. Why cannot America do what Finland is doing? Rents have skyrocketed all throughout every major city in the US.; including Charlotte.

[@trinleywangmo]

Happens there, happens in many "advanced" nations. Don't kid yourselves... we're all redundant!

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

​​​@@robynalvin2849 Here in Canada too rents have more than doubled, ever since 2020. There also aren't enough homes for rent, and many houses that used to be single family, have now been changed into 2 units for rent. Even so it is hard to find anything suitable. It can take a long time in smaller towns and in the country. There are now more homeless than what we had before. Very sad.

[@Whoever68]

Homelessness is not only in America but worldwide. Every human deserves a home not just shelter. Well done Finland. Valuing humans above all else.

[@Chelzebelles]

60% of the planet lives without indoor plumbing Humans in North America & Europe in luxury compared to most of humanity, even most of our poor... To help the entire world, our people in the West need to quit being so greedy using all the resources

[@SthembisoMkhwanazi-f9p]

So true. Some people become victims of circumstances and go homeless, not because of lack of planning. Take instance @Chinookvalley, they were involved in a motor accident (with a Judge's daughter), that inevitable situation as much as they could have had insurance. What are the odds if you are in an accident with a Judge's dear one? If the insurance decides you are on the wrong as a client, forget getting any payments. Instead you sink further into debt having to pay even medical bills of third parties. Life lessons are sometimes harsh, that's just reality. We plan (buy stocks to get rich) but sometimes our plans go down the drain (lose all investment made). Don't tell me, that's stupidity. Life just didn't go my way. Give me a hand to stand up, rather than taunt my situation. 'Systems' we have built for this life are not all generous, not to mention the 'batterings of life' itself. One just has to be resilient enough, because amidst all, there is hope for the living.

[@eldergeek6077]

In short, this is what happens when cities choose affordable housing instead of the more luxury version.

[@Corina-dq2my]

Heck, their aren't even enough shelters, for that matter. But yes I agree with you.

[@gokuformanvsfood]

​@@Chelzebellesso no toilets for anyone?

[@X3r0.]

“Housing first is not housing only” & “you can never be so low , where we won’t walk beside you” are statements of truth and necessity. Putting the humanity back into the issues

[@InvisiblePeople]

Thank you for noticing

[@SmokedHyena]

america/americans dont care thye wanna chase that bag and be content creators

[@LabGecko]

@@SmokedHyena The key is the American mindset that a person's worth equals their income. Of course it s not true, and we must change this. Some of us do care a lot, but politics is so divided and focused on fake issues that it is difficult to cut through the propaganda to do something serious like this. It's a shame that the US hasn't stepped up on this. 1/10th of the US military budget would probably do this for the entire US. We need to push for it. Here's hoping it happens and spreads worldwide!

[@noneyabusinessyoushouldbes7924]

@@LabGecko Getting rid of the EPA would probably be enough to get every homeless person their own house on their own 40 acres.

[@Sevenfold120]

@@noneyabusinessyoushouldbes7924 Seriously? Get rid of the agency that limits pollution and harmful effects on the environment in order to give every homeless person 40 acres of land? Now you have people unemployed living on 40 acres of land. That land isnt going to be close to anything. Millions of people spread out across the country. They would need a car to get anywhere. Now you have more pollution and dependency on oil and gas. You still want to get rid of the EPA? Why? Just make it simple. Build apartments in urban areas for the homeless so they can stabilize and get a job. In an urban area they can use transit instead of relying on a car.

[@MissAnthropeR6]

I'm on the Gold Coast in Australia and 3 days ago I was leaving a shopping centre and saw a man lying outside in heatwave conditions. I went back to assist him only to be confronted by security guards trying to push him along. I stood up for him and argued with the 3 officers and would not let them treat him like rubbish. I could barely find any organisations to assist which was not only frustrating but heartbreaking. I found one that was an hour away but they could only send someone to help after hours!! That's ludicrous. I called an ambulance against security's opposition as the man was obviously suffering heat stroke. When the ambulance arrived I gave them the contact details of the organisation I had spoken to earlier and hopefully they have intervened. I'm disgusted how humans treat others who are struggling. We need change at a government level otherwise this will only get worse. I fear that this man will be released back into the same conditions he was already struggling in. We need continuation of care, and we need governments to stop focusing on making profits for their wealthy supporters and start doing their job to look after everyone.

[@mestinks]

Our politicians and mainstream media have deliberately moved us toward the American way of demonising those that become vulnerable. It's good to see they haven't got to you yet

[@ladybug591]

As a general rule, in a free country, governments are not supposed to be "looking after people", we had family, friends, church and charitable organizations to assist in a caring and normal system. Government used to be limited to doing essential things like defense, law and order and so on, we also used to have low tax. Now workers are mostly tax slaves. We also used to have homes for the mentally disturbed and low IQ people, they were cared for and protected, but the "modern" younger populace, obsessing over "rights", suddenly did not like that common-sense assistance so these defenseless people have been left to their own devices, thanks to do-gooders and bleeding hearts and the "woke" who talk of nothing but "rights" - what a mess has been created SINCE government and their welfare cronies have become involved in so much of our lives. Young people of today have no memory of what has happened over time and think history starts with them. We have too many feminist women given unearned power over others, and they have grossly misused that power to create chaos where commonsense and order used to prevail. It was nice of you to try to help that man, but the system has been broken and until that corrupted system is fixed nothing will change. Organized local charitable groups did a far better job until they became subsidized by government people, then they became corruptible. Big Government always becomes tyrannical. Regards.

[@BoanergesJim]

@@ladybug591 Those certainly were words. It has been my experience that individuals who use the word "Woke" in the pejorative are broadcasting that they are willing to use slurs when they think no one is listening.

[@hollybug-76542]

​@@ladybug591that is demostrably false and a narrative pushed by the wealthy on ppl to dumb to figure it out. Everything you've spouted is absolute garbage and not true in any way. But keep it up and keep voting against your own best interests.

[@lmc2375]

I am all for helping people, but I wonder why people have given up helping selves to keep selves out of such situations How do make them care enough to find a way out? You don't. The individual has to give a damn for self, or any help given will just require more and more help with no end to it. It's as if we are more worried for them then they are. That is a problem with zero resolve ability.

[@brokeingeorgia697]

A society can be judged by how it treats it’s most vulnerable members! Go Finland! I wish my country was so advanced ❤

Amen and 🙏🏾 Amen

[@zp5009]

Agree wholeheartedly ❤

[@TLA123y6f]

Finland - I have the utmost respect for you and your sense of humanity. I wish I could say the same for the U.S. NOTHING is normal anymore

[@Irishgurl]

Ohio here ❤ proud of Finland! We have section 8 housing for low income persons. We have more people on the system than paying into the system. We obviously have enough money since we send billions to other countries. The problem is we need to make jobs available for people who are able to work so those people dont have to rely on the system. The homeless and malnutritioned should be tended to. Our country is 50 times the size of your country and we have millions crossing our borders monthly needing help as well. If we prioritize our citizens, close the borders and strengthen our citizens we can make changes. There are many factors and getting our government to do anything our citizens request is difficult. I dont agree with the video when they declare America doesnt want to give homes to the homeless. Our government makes decisions with our money without our consent.

[@DarrenRivey]

American indoctrination to exploit others starts in Kindergarten.

[@JimmyHagerstrom]

I'm from Sweden and have a finnish mother. I got housed via HF and are a very thankful productive member of society. I work full time, pay my rent and have my drivers license back. I'm on substitution treatment. Before HF the years just passed away.

[@onesharedheart]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ingridakerblom7577]

Sökte du hjälp från Finland fast du är svensk, bosatt i Sverige?

[@Joy-wg9nd]

Welcome to your new life and great future. Congrats! 👏👏👏👏

[@dariawilber2213]

Best wishes to you in your journey!

[@jollyrodger5319]

Good 👍 job for all.

[@jerryskidlsd]

I went from being a homeless drug addict to now owning my own land and tiny home...and I celebrate 6 years in recovery in 4 months. It is possible through love and compassion to change the world. Also, I now contribute to the solution as often as possible.

[@lindawise5546]

I am proud of you....

[@jerryskidlsd]

@@lindawise5546 Thank you. I didn't do it alone, and it didn't come easy, but it was worth going through the pain. Be blessed

[@lindawise5546]

@@jerryskidlsd Been there Jerry. My son and I, 30 years of addiction and trauma recovery. Painful, tiring, but once you have small victories behind you, you can't help but wanting to climb that ladder to your real self.

[@deirdremorris9234]

Awesome!!!! Well done!!! ❤🎉❤

[@nottheone582]

Recovery is possible & nobody is beyond redemption 🙏 😊

[@cath3638]

"Rehabilitation off the streets is not possible. You need a home and then the other stuff can happen after that" - so true, so wise. And my favourite -"You can never get so low that we will not be beside you." Those words are so reassuring, so strong. Thank you.

[@virgilhilts3924]

How many vagrants are you letting live in your home?

[@cath3638]

Why is that valid? No one is suggesting you provide a home for the homeless. @@virgilhilts3924

[@BurnTheBluestSkies]

​@@virgilhilts3924that's not what housing first is though. Besides that, would you not let a friend or family member who's down on their luck at least crash on your couch and get on their feet? Would you be the person to put someone on the streets?

[@oldasdirt3760]

@@BurnTheBluestSkies I’ve had addiction in my family and NO I do not trust them to spend the night in my home. You can give a addict everything they need to keep from being hurt or killed on the streets. But if they don’t want to dry out or stop the drugs all your doing is giving them permission to keep doing the drugs or drink. I know, I’ve tried to help. Until THEY are ready for help nothing you do is appreciated,it’s useless. All it does is keeps them off the streets where they can’t be seen. If someone is injured , fallen through the cracks of a system, it’s a different story they will ask for help and Try to help themselves. Most homeless like where they are.

[@BurnTheBluestSkies]

@@oldasdirt3760 so it's situational. I didn't mean without conditions, but my point is it's not strange to house someone else. Virgil's question was not only irrelevant to housing first, but just absurd on its own. There's a lot to unpack with your comment though. For the family you wouldn't house, you would think it would be ideal for them to have a safe place to stay and recover, away from you. But you seem to be against that. Do you think homelessness is a just sentence for the crime of having an illness? Do you tell yourself it's what they want so you don't have to take responsibility for your refusal to exercise empathy? What's your actual deal lol

[@create2liberate]

As Gabor Mate says, "don't ask someone 'what is wrong with you?' ask them 'what happened to you?" Addiction is a response to pain.. a desire to find relief from pain. Being unhoused is a response to housing being too expensive to sustain.

[@cattymajiv]

Gabor Mate is a genius in his feild of helping people. He is a medical doctor and an angel! ❤❤❤

[@cyclesurgerywandsworth1482]

Amen!

[@lukecantrell5149]

People get addicted to caffeine, nicotine, porn, violence... Saying addiction is a response to pain seems disingenuous.

[@create2liberate]

@@lukecantrell5149 You can look up Dr. Gabor Mate. He says it better than I. But yes, all of those addictions are responses to something. A seeking to feel differently (escape current reality and find an altered reality) and finding something that aids in that shift. I am addicted to food and it is because I struggle to sit in certain discomforts. When certain parts of me are activated, nothing else can help that pain/feeling of discomfort. Food is the best thing I can turn to for soothing. I'm grateful it isn't heroin, but I see them both as addictions. I am not better than someone addicted to heroin. I can understand why people turn to substances. It isn't something wrong with their brain. It isn't a disease. It's a reaction to the pain of our broken society and what we have to help us with that is plenty of drugs, alcohol, caffeine, food, sugar, tv, social media, nicotine, porn, violence, sex, love, relationships... the list is long.

[@catsmom129]

@@lukecantrell5149I’m not sure how your first statement leads to your second. All of those things are potentially distractions from or reactions to pain. Sleep deprivation and fatigue are forms of pain, which can prompt people to consume caffeine. People often smoke more when they’re feeling stressed. Porn can distract people from their problems and give them a moment of pleasure during a time of despair. Some folks may even turn to porn out of loneliness, because imaginary intimacy seems better than nothing. I’m not sure what you mean by addiction to violence. Do you mean addiction to committing violence or watching it or ? In any case, addiction is complicated. It can involve biological predisposition, life circumstances, overwhelming cravings, and chosen behavior. I wouldn’t say pain is the only factor but it’s certainly an important one.

[@magentapilot4576]

Bravo Finland. The world should take notes.

[@theevolvingmindset333]

"You can never get so low that we will not be beside you. We will walk with you." That statement gave me chills. I hope and pray that the US will evolve and solve homelessness. This was a great documentary.

[@caminoalavirtud]

That statement got my attention 2 😊😊😊

[@lkeke35]

The US doesn't appear to want to solve any of its problems, probably because someone at the top is making money from the problem. It's easier for them to pit different class groups against one another because Americans seem more interested in punishment that reform.

[@devilsatan2973]

Very interesting view! MUCH better attitude than here in the states. We could learn a few things from these folks!

[@SmokyOle]

Hoping and praying won't solve anything. That's why nothing changes.

[@Portents-Magic-imagination]

No they’d rather go to Mars… selling the dream

[@lisadolan689]

Unless you’ve been homeless, seriously homeless, you simply can’t understand the joy of being given a key to your own flat. No bed, no fridge, no tv, nothing. Just a key. It’s an incredible feeling of relief

[@shellyslioneyes]

Amen

[@davelewis6256]

Agrewd

[@tamathawhitehurst8484]

I'm looking forward to getting keys! I'm still homeless in Athens GA and I do have SSDI plus I was approved for Rapid Rehousing vouchers, but finding a place is another story!

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

​@@tamathawhitehurst8484praying for you friend. 🙏🏽

[@douglasparise3986]

Forgive me for being naive. Where are their families. Would you let this happen to your brother,sister,mother,father, son, daughter,aunt,uncle,cousin, grandmother, friend? What kind of family doesn't take care of its own. 15:25crickets

[@Rahjahh]

I love how you covered Finlands response to homelessness!! I am from Hawaii and we studied their model. We traveled all the way to Finland last Summer to see it for our selves and we were blown away!! They got it right

[@Graham_Wideman]

@SanityTV_Last_Sane_Man_Alive " You really think Hawaii has the same kind of people on the streets as finland? " Where did the commenter say they assumed homeless people in Hawaii are the same as in Finland? I think it's a safer assumption that someone studying the problem so intently that they actually visited Finalnd will probably notice that the local situations have differences.

[@sandralee3990]

Aloha. Its is nuturing to be in a place called home where ever you are at. Even on the front lines of a war to be safe. Let try to figure how to do that for each other. Surely if it was you who are homeless do you not want help? May we be with each other when we can.

[@psychshell4644]

They are not blaming the individual. rather, finding a solution first and then maintaining the better lifestyle with support.

[@brendaann727]

That's great! Hope you have success!🙏🏼🙏🏽🙏🏾The man on this show was generalizing too much saying Americans do not want the homeless to have homes. You are a perfect example that they do. I don't know of any who would not want the homeless to have homes. If there are any, they are in the minority, but very loud so it only appears to him that it is all of America. 🕊 I think tiny home villages should really become the thing & for that to happen, covenants need to be changed in places to accomodate.

[@thirstwithoutborders995]

@SanityTV_Last_Sane_Man_Alive I assume people sliding from mental illness to alcohol and drugs is the same wherever you go. And it doesn't matter the weather, if you camp on the beach or under a bridge, the dangers of getting robbed by fellow drug addicts, the lack of dignity and status and inability to focus on getting better when you don't know where your next meal comes from and getting sick for lack of hygiene is universal, the way Maslows Pyramid of Needs doesn't only apply to mainland US Americans.

[@panninggazz5244]

Wow.......just wow......American here.......what a great example Finland is.

[@kimjones2056]

They have a closed boarder. If we put Americans first we could do this.

[@kelleysullivan3752]

But would we?​@@kimjones2056

[@duvessa2003]

In the United States we blame individuals for their homeless state, not the fact that there is not enough affordable housing; completely inadequate mental healthcare; etc, etc, etc. People respond to this by looking for alternative lifestyles such as van life or tiny homes. Towns then work hard to find ways to restrict people from doing this. It is absolutely disgusting the way poverty is criminalized in this country.

[@Portents-Magic-imagination]

Most end up on the streets due to bad luck or abuse or addiction or just being a war veteran.

[@CompetitionSportsNetwork]

There is a ton of affordable housing, the problem is, there is a bunch of broke people in this country who do not move ahead in life so they stay stuck year after year complaining that stuff is expensive vs going out, making more money so they can afford things in this new economy we are in. The problem is not the country, the problem is the people living in it. Only poor people think about this topic, everyone else is focusing on getting ahead and staying there!

[@Portents-Magic-imagination]

@@CompetitionSportsNetwork really .

[@duvessa2003]

@@CompetitionSportsNetwork I’m a real estate agent. There most certainly is not a ton of affordable housing. Before the pandemic rents were rising at twice the rate pay was rising. It’s worse now. If you need to keep believing what you believe, do so. Don’t expect other people to.

[@Dangermouse8645]

@@CompetitionSportsNetwork The lack of empathy and knowledge, and seemingly being so self-assured about it all, is utterly disheartening to read. Why even take the time to comment? Why? You are contributing nothing.

[@foxtrotbravo]

As a finn im proud to be a part of a society that cares for its own people. Shure economics and politics affect all of us in different ways, but to at least have a roof over your head, and the support to carry on in life after whatever downfall you might have gone trough is key to get people back on track and back into society. Thank you Finland for being amazing! ❤❤

[@deebarnard5439]

Yes, you should feel proud. ❤

[@Jayluvlee87]

We should all aspire to such a level of pure goodness and light. I feel mankind won't survive if we can't grow together and be there for one another

[@TracyTidewater41009]

Too many here in the US lack compassion for their fellow humans. It’s disgraceful. There but for the grace of God go I.

[@lunadequeso36]

Your country IS an inspiration. I would love to work in your housing programs to understand the practical endeavour more and bring it to my country. I wish it wouldn't be so difficult to work there 😅

[@kathleengeiser6956]

Being half Finnish and half Swedish. And living in California, my Father always said how much more advanced the Scandinavian countries are. And he was right.

[@donnab.333]

He's right.

[@emusaurus]

And yet he lives in the US???

[@jayclarke6671]

Why do you live in California if you're Scandinavian? I'm originally from Scotland but was brought to LA as a child during the mid 70s and finally escaped back to Europe, Spain, 22 years later in 98. I've heard the state has gone to hell since then.

[@Joy-Marie369]

America is too concerned about building Private prisons.

[@susananderson9619]

The Scandivian countries are also considerally smaller than the USA 12:04

[@marylogan6711]

In Finland there’s still a sense that those are still OUR people.. in America because of their History there is DEEPLY INGRAINED sense of those OTHER people who don’t DESERVE any real lasting help

[@CarolLeslie-x5n]

Yeah it’s called the American dream.

[@Treehugging_Leftie]

So true

[@merri_spiderly6017]

To a degree, the sense of ”OUR people” you mention, is also why we have so much internalised xenofobia and racism. No country is perfect.

[@candykane4271]

I think you don’t know much about history of poor in the USA

[@CarolLeslie-x5n]

@@candykane4271 I would imagine poor is poor is poor all around the world it doesn’t matter which country you’re poor in your still poor.

[@Lizard_Queen6]

I'm Finnish and live quite close to Helsinki. I've seen maybe total of 4 homeless people during my entire life and I'm 30. I've also never seen open drug use and I think that says something. Sure we have problems in Finland, like the decline of affordable mental health services, but I think us finns often forget how lucky we are that our government actually takes care of the most vulnerable in our society.

[@Volkbrecht]

As long as you can afford it. Take Germany for comparison. We too have a sort of guarantee for housing. The system isn't perfect, some people, especially mentally unstable ones and drug users, fall through the cracks. But the bigger part of the homeless are foreigners that aren't even supposed to be in the country without a job to sustain themselves. Housing those people would make the immigration situation much worse than it already is.

[@cattymajiv]

@@Volkbrecht Said like a true right wing fanatic! All of you guys sound just like some kind of hive mind. Or like you've all memorized EXACTLY the same pages of the same book. Not an original thought in the whole lot of you!

[@judithhope8970]

We need to do more in the UK to help the homeless, wherever they come from.

[@Volkbrecht]

@@cattymajiv You know, when a lot of people see the same things it may well be that these things are true. In which case you can rage and rave against something you don't like, or you can start questioning your own worldview. Aside from that, a generally useful advice: allow some nuance in your thinking, otherwise you will loose the ability to see it in the world. A conservative approach to evaluating a singular solution that has not been implemented anywhere else in the world despite not being very original does not make me a "right-wing fanatic". The idea of "put people in homes" is actually quite wide-spread in Europe, lots of countries do that. Where it becomes interesting is the question of how much effort they are willing to invest to keep them there. Maybe you're familiar with the phrase "You just can't help some people"? Conservatism is generally based on experience.

[@catherinetrinh3260]

USA , before the ACLU and the courts closed many hospitals and support institutions, there wasn't a homeless problem. But then, there weren't the drug and illegal immigration problems we currently have. There are many programs available, both public and privately funded. The Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City used to be a mental health hospital that provided care that defied the common belief that these hospitals were horrible places for people to be. In the sixties my father was a counselor for The Boys Training School where troubled children were sent. Some were convicted murderers. The place was safe enough for dad to take us kids swimming on Thursdays and outings with the placed kids. When the courts closed down solutions like my dad was involved in, the solutions to many disappeared. The man at the end of the video was ignorant. No one in America is denied medical treatment. There is funding and care available. I don't believe that Finland has solved its homeless problem because there aren't statistics to back up what is being shown. For how many success stories, as the people in the video indicate, how many failures are there?

[@UnclePutte]

I respect the young fella who said "I don't wanna lie, it's not". And I respect y'all for showing that. Sometimes it's like that. But it shouldn't stop us from trying.

[@badcaseofstripes]

Healing and getting your life together from the bottom is the hardest, most unpleasant, painful experience you will ever go through! It's an extremely challenging process even with resources and support.

[@mortisCZ]

That's so true. My life was a mess for several years and I was very close to living on streets (my friend let me work in his carpentry shop to at least pay for rent even though I am terrible carpenter). Sometimes it felt like I won't ever get up again and I was ok with that. There was no hope. It took a long time to get my chaos under control, to pay all that I owed and get a better life. I felt with that young man.

[@AlwaysASolution-qj9be]

Yes, and he added the reason it wasn't...because he still needs to quit drugs. That could be his next step and a focus. So housing first and quitting addictions second.

[@StephenLewisful]

Absolutely. Being homeless is not the main issue for the young man. Survivors guilt and the fact he probably blames himself for not being able to save his friends life is why he's suffering. Housing does not make that all better but I guarantee his and my life would be far worse without it. Please don't stop trying to help.

[@wendynine-sc2sv]

All wonderful and helpful info. Where I live in NM there's a non profit working for the goal of a greenhouse in every neighborhood! Regenerate the soil, grow locally and in vertical spaces - all would work well together with this kind of housing solution! ...blessed 🐝 to all involved in green and alternative solutions!...

[@marywalker2896]

Finland is a light for the world.Thankyou Finland for showing the world how to care for fellow humans .

[@MichaelMike8988]

but its 99% white lol thats whats missing here u can't have this and diversity

[@katella]

Perhaps there is a correlation between the number of women in positions of power in the government and the humanity of their policies.

[@12567NoYouCannot]

And CHINA too!!

[@kimcarman1279]

❤America needs to learn from Finland. So much care & compassion ❤️

[@neilburns3614]

I have been homeless a few times due to addiction, emotional immaturity and ignorance, in Ireland, Northern Ireland and England. And I have to say there just isn't the same political will to solve street homelessness as the Finnish have been doing these past few years. It is inspiring and heartening. Thanks to the channel and to Finland.

[@jillmcdonald1714]

There are many reasons why the homeless levels are what they are. My daughter is homeless in Seattle but choose drugs, Meth and now Fentanyl that killed her once but after several try’s, the efforts paid off and brought her back. She still chooses to be homeless rather than to try to get better and to get to see her two boys, 17 & 7 years old. It is sad and I never know when I will get another call saying she’s OD’d again.

[@MercyMe2022]

@@jillmcdonald1714i’m so sorry for you having to see your daughter go through this. If she could stay in a home without the strict rules, she would hopefully benefit her life.

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

In the greatest majority of the time: drug addiction, plus mental health issues=homelessness. I'm glad Finland is doing something about it. May other cities in the USA, etc do the same.

[@rebecaanderson1935]

@@MercyMe2022what do you mean? That she left home because of the strict rules of her parents or are you talking about the housing program that asks people to be clean before they go into the house? I think the person needs to at least agree to start a treatment in order to get into the house. Privileges comes with responsibilities, that’s just how life works, it’s like people wanting Gods blessing without following the commandments. Rules must be followed for the well being of the society as a whole. When an individual wants privileges but no responsibilities, to me that looks a weak character problem, it’s selfish and self centered to want to be an exception to the rules the keeps society safe.

[@MercyMe2022]

@@rebecaanderson1935 no no no. America literally throws people out on the streets bc they are using drugs, are addicted to drugs, and/or are an addict AFTER getting clean. Nobody benefits. Nobody gets better. There is no support, no motivation, and zero confidence that this said treatment program will work. And we also put a very short timeline on these services…as if everybody is the same. Finland’s programs work bc no matter what, people have shelter. Agreeing to start a treatment program should not be necessary in order to have a basic need met. That’s literally the whole point of housing first.

[@lybeat_gang]

"you will never be so low that we will not be beside you" that's one of the most beautiful things I've heard in my life from a human being to another, God bless you for all this, it's really needed in the world

[@kathyaustin2387]

I’m so impressed by Finland’s approach to affordable housing to end homelessness❣️Praying the US is empowered to follow their example. BLESSINGS!🙏🏻

[@PablaMMoore]

We certainly have resources in America to end homelessness but they are waisted or not allocated properly. There is also some people that they do not want to follow any rules and they rather live on the streets than go to counseling and get help with addiction or mental health and get a job.

[@cattymajiv]

@@PablaMMoore Yada yada yada! Do any of you right wing fanatics EVER think for yourselves? You all spew the EXACT same BS!

[@fredachildress3728]

Thank you for your comment, but you know how those right wing people are, they don't care about others.

[@CarolLeslie-x5n]

When she said that it made me cry, such humanity and coming from a government ❤️

[@punkr0ckgurl75]

I’m Canadian, homeless and indigenous…no help from our government, no help from the band office…no one cares. We are looked at like a virus, we’re the problem. They blame “us” for the situation we find ourselves. It’s sad ridiculous and degrading. I wish this country functioned like Finland. A stable home changes so much, giving a person dignity is a solution not a problem!

[@SebastianJArt]

I payed $1500/month for a basement apartment without a full kitchen in Toronto ZERO career advancement of course everybody is homeless suddenly! Who can keep up with this slavery? God bless ❤

[@TheUserDark]

I'd recommend gathering some money and moving away to Europe, dedicate the time you collect ur money to learn the language of a country and u will see the power of u being a native English speaker. Believe my words if u succeed u will be the happiest person in the world. I can see it as an European

[@WandaBrown54]

The reservation will take you in

[@JulieSevelson-nb9nj]

Lots of people are leaving America, actually. Much of it has to do with the fact that all these dictator - wannabees are coming out of the woodwork, and this is scary. In dictatorships, homeless people are rounded up and used for slave labor, and in some places,organ harvesting. Justin Trudeau sounds just like the " New Democrats" like the Clintons, among other famous ones. They aren't real liberals, but fake ones. It's cheaper to house people, than using shelters and jails and hospitals, but it makes money for certain connected groups. It won't take long for even free speech to become illegal. I'm out, too.

[@tammiebroggins]

Hello I have same issues in the u.s. no support no help. Houses are to expensive on my own. Be safe. You are not alone.my tribe won't help either.

[@XTC3D]

Finland rocks, the problem was never going to be a single solution. Amazing! a beacon for the rest of the world.

[@Rayna-gn3ni]

On the Eve of our supposed most charitable day of the year, a lot of people will freeze to death or die a violent death due to homelessness. Bless these people and may they be an example.

[@fayeteater4644]

Well I will help my family before anyone else they come over here then get out and get a job I will not help them I only seen a father with 4 kids on here that I would help and I am praying god will help that dad with the 4 kids only the rest love there drugs and that why they are homeless .get a job get a job and get your self off the streets.

[@dandychiggins6802]

An example for what? Finish your story.......

[@rosieE121]

That happens more than we admit or know about. People freeze to death trying to seek shelter New Years Eve.

[@donnaleeclubb119]

See if anyone can immigrate there. PROBABLY NOT. I bet the Finnish people take care of the Finnish people FIRST, born in the Country of Finland, it's Citizens.

[@emusaurus]

@@rosieE121meanwhile in Australia people are dying from heat on new years

[@Allison_White]

How beautiful! 😢 Finland isn’t just helping house people… they are restoring hope to those who’ve lost it. America 🇺🇸 has MUCH to learn from Finland 🇫🇮.

[@Killswitch1411]

The problems are not even close to the same and on the same scale.. Try again.. Its not that easy. The corruption alone in the USA by officials in these cities is awful.

[@benboots6956]

America and Americans have so much to learn. The first thing they have to learn is that they are not the greatest country in the world. As long as they are brainwashed to think that they are the greatest nation, they won’t belittle themselves to think someone else may be doing something better than them.

[@Killswitch1411]

@@benboots6956 Its not even on the same scale. So trying to compare the situations is ignorant as hell. Every answer cant fix every situation.. Remove your head from your rear end.

[@DANCEGARAGEPUNK]

@@Killswitch1411 Yes Selfishness & Greed is wonderful ! ! Too many of you Corporate puppets ! : (

[@kindking8009]

As long as America remains divided like it is, we will never see anything like this. Half the country (the ignorant half) equates social democracy with communism. They'll vote for their fascist cult leader who admires every communist dictator in the world yet fail to see the hypocrisy. We are a very untrusting country and as long as we maintain our fierce independence, i.e. every man for himself, we will never have the sense of community the Scandinavian countries have. They are consistently rated in the top 10 best countries in which to live while the US falls further down the list with every passing year.

[@niluferwajeeh4352]

God bless Finland for taking care of their homeless people.

[@RS-ls7mm]

A country filled with hard working, educated, intelligent people. Those days are long gone in the US.

[@vatslauvadkevich6089]

They new no God was gonna bless them, that's why they moved to "real" actions

[@TheHonestPeanut]

@@RS-ls7mm Nah we still work hard. We just forgot that the working class is the real ruling class.

[@stevenwithanS]

Theìr own homeless people. Not millions of vagrants from around the world.

[@RS-ls7mm]

@@TheHonestPeanut Dead wrong. There are no workers without a business. There must be a balance. One without the other is meaningless.

[@karensillonis6900]

This is Amazing! I would love for America to do this, because no one deserves to live like an animal!

[@shanezveganess5969]

Big respect to the Housing First program ... it doesn't simply provide a house ... it offers them a home ...'Housing First' represents humanity.

[@CJThomas13]

unfortunately it just won't work in the US. i want it to but it simply doesn't

[@willn8664]

​@@CJThomas13 because the majority of Murricans are derpy.

[@fredachildress3728]

CJThomas it would work in this country, but the wealthy, the corporations and the politicians don't want it to work here. That's the truth.

[@mermaidofaloha]

🙏 God bless Finland & Housing First 🙏 I was recently homeless for over two years, a 61 year old woman with heart problems. Worst days and nights of my life.

[@Plethorality]

I am glad that things are better for you.

[@beckyestrada7339]

Been there too. Currently stable for three years at 65. It was hell.

[@mrnt1257]

How did you dog yourself out of it?

[@dandychiggins6802]

Then you worked? You said recently....you made an attempt to make your situation better.....you didn't wait for hand outs like this video.......

[@dandychiggins6802]

​@@beckyestrada7339you didn't rely on freebies did you from tax payers?

[@gferreroferri]

I am proud to be a Finn (and Spanish, double national). We pay high taxes in Finland, but it shows. When you care about the well being of the community and not only your own these things happen!

[@slate613]

That's one reason this will likely never work in the US. We've been programmed to think the individual is always more important than the society. "Rugged Individualism" basically destroyed compassion for others here. . .

[@hisomeonetrackingmuch1309]

​@@slate613we can change that. The way in, is that housing is financially the more via able option. Keep fighting the good fight

[@slate613]

@@hisomeonetrackingmuch1309 I'm not much for charging at windmills. I'd rather just move to Europe/Scandinavia where they already have this stuff figured out. Hopefully within a year or so.

[@hisomeonetrackingmuch1309]

@@slate613 Surely the irony of your sentiment is lost on you

[@kittybitts567]

we pay high taxes in the U.S. and the country is a mess. having a corrupt government creates the mess.

[@happyandblessed5640]

This model needs to be in every city all over the world. It is an amazing and miraculous system. God bless them.

[@Ryan-wx1bi]

The problem in the US is that homelessness has become a business. Politicians and "non profits" make billions off the issue.

[@toms986]

How do they make billions out of it?

[@emchammer1815]

I believe the opposite. It's a problem because people can't make money off it. That's all USA is about. Profit, profit, profit. And if politicians profited off homelessness, it'd be all over the political attack ads.

[@juna61]

USA is a corporation that makes money for the rich from poor and unfortunate people. What disgusts me most is that USA wipes all the bad things under the rug and continues like nothing actually bad is happening and it is just the people in help that are the cause of their own misfortune. I am afraid that Finland is getting in the same path as USA... we will see next year what happens.

[@payattention31]

Yah how?

[@BlessingsfromBridget]

One way is that owners of private prisons make a lot of money. Homelessness has been criminalized in many cities, so having homeless people means more people in jail which means more money for people who own private prisons.

[@RR4kindness]

I am also so proud of Finland that they care for their people and provide everyone housing regardless of whether they are 'clean or sober' or not. So encouraging!

[@n0-one0]

The Eric Clapton looking-ass guy in the blue shirt said it himself right before he pivoted into lunacy. Finland is a small country. You can't even imagine how much this model would need to be scaled up to solve our issues in the US. It may not be an unbearable burden on the taxpayers in Finland, but it would be here. Plus, the sheer scale of the solution would overtake our cities. We would run out of space and resources for normal citizens and become a failed utopia here. I'd be all for doubling down on this model in the US if it were sustainable, but the math doesn't math...

[@lucianowillemse8244]

@@n0-one0 I believe that there should be potential solutions to combat homelessness on a large scale. This model may not be 100& effective for bigger countries but some aspects of this model could be integrated and expanded upon so it is suitable on a larger scale.

[@itoibo4208]

@@n0-one0how is the size of the US an issue?

[@zamar2158]

​@@n0-one0 everything you said plus... Finland has a homogeneous population. And no never ending inpouring of legal immigrants and illegals from the whole world. And may not have this severe attack of the woke virtue signalling mind virus that has overtaken the anglosphere.

[@shawnmendrek3544]

Agree

[@y-yyy]

I love that they didn't just show picture perfect success cases, but also the young man who clearly struggles a lot, homeless or not. As someone who moved to Finland 2 years ago, this was very interesting and insightful.

[@honzasenbauer612]

You can see the happines in their faces and the shame they must feel while being filmed. Also the houses are not stage perfect, every spot perfectly clean like you usually see. That place is lived in. Random things all over the place, just the way people live. This is so nice to see.

[@bilasher3705]

Seems almost heavenly, not reality.

[@jacig2083]

Finland a country with a social conscience to be admired.

[@Big_Sway]

As someone who works with homeless in Texas. There’s almost no options except get a job that’s time frame allows you to get back to the shelter in time for bed draws. There’s only a couple of shelters and they are always full, and turning people away constantly. Not only that, now our group homes were taken away for IDD clients as well. I can’t stress how difficult it is, and how broken our system is. They are punished for working, and punished for not working.

[@kmgg5005]

and of course judged either way...so infuriating! I got into a rather heated discussion with someone who had nothing but condemnation for the unhoused. they pointedly stated how disgusting it is that "those people" go to the bathroom on the streets, etc. When I informed him that "those people" are not allowed to use public bathrooms and he had no response. I work with homeless in Vancouver, Canada- some improvements have been made here but now we are going backwards again. It is so frustrating- I cannot comprehend why many people have so little compassion...don't get me wrong, I understand where the attitudes come from, but I just wish people could bypass the fear and cultural indoctrination and just see People. Thank you for your efforts in Texas!! blessings, kelly

[@likingraccoons]

And the broken system creates more broken people.

[@RheaRobin]

I was homeless in Texas 15 years ago. Shelters that allowed overnight sleep for single women without children was limited to a single place. They had 35 beds for women and 150 for men. I was incredibly lucky. I'd gotten SSDI a few years before so already had an income. I'd already come to the top of the public housing list and was just waiting for my apartment to be ready. That took 2 and a half months. When the social workers randomly changed my appointment times, it was easy to accommodate. More often than not, those who worked lost their beds for missing the changed appointment. No one could put the shelter address on an application and get hired. People were forced to put half their paycheck in a money order to sit in a safe until there 3 months were up. Few were able to get those money orders cashed when they left. The homeless were encouraged to lie about having addictions to get temporary housing in sober living. My social worker was replaced 2 months in due to a relapse in her crack addiction. I will never forget the staff complaining about the smell of spoiled meat being cooked to feed us. Food poisoning was so common in that shelter that I learned to eat anywhere else.

[@RheaRobin]

@@kmgg5005 In Austin, TX the homeless made it a campaign to poop in front of every bar the tourists go to. It took a month of arrests and a hard push from the bar owners but the city did install a couple of outdoor public toilets everyone could use.

[@kmgg5005]

thank you for sharing some of your experience- sadly it is very similar to what people go through here. I put together an exercise for a group of social workers to try to help them understand some of the very things you went through- basically gave them 'tasks' they had to complete with the same 'resources' and time frames, done in a workshop type format. I think a few of them got it. Unless you have lived it tho...(and the disparity of # of beds for men vs women is still an issue here 🙄😠)@@RheaRobin

[@brianrivasoconer5543]

I was homeless in USA 5 YEARS and i left and went to MEXICO, 10 years homeless in México...now thanks to God and 1 good person , I have lived in the same house and job taking care of horses for 14 years in México 👍😀

[@kasondaleigh]

I’m very happy for your good fortune.

[@elainecobb4175]

Good for you! I’m happy for you.

[@JimmiG84]

As a Swede I have to admit I'm a bit jealous of Finland. We don't have a huge problem with homelessness here but it's clear they've done a much better job in Finland.

[@Holiday-Music]

Let me guess they are closer to socialists who tax average people 50% or higher they steal that money from hard workers to pay for people who refuse to work and support themselves.

[@seydaergunes]

And I’m highly jealous of Sweden. Would like to experience your kind of life quality.

[@Bob_Adkins]

@@seydaergunes I'm willing to bet this video is painting a rosy picture. Of course the people that run the program will not say anything derogatory about it. The truth is, most homeless could be given a lovely home, 100K in their pocket, a new SUV, and a 100K job and in 2-3 years they would be dead or right back where they came from. Most homeless can't be helped, it's like throwing your hopes, hard work, and money into a black hole.

[@sahamal_savu]

@@Bob_Adkins You're everything that's wrong with the world.

[@Bob_Adkins]

@@sahamal_savu Lies can be ugly, but the truth can be even uglier, especially to naive, clueless people.

[@crystalyana9533]

A country who takes care of their people!, now I want to move to Finland!! ❤

[@kimjones2056]

They don’t have open borders like the USA

[@mrflappie6553]

I have been homeless in the Netherlands for 15 years. Had lost trust in people. In the shelter I saw one girl come in as an intern, stay as a volunteer and then as fulltime employee. She was that one person I trusted and asked her to get me off the streets. She got me into Housing First and essentially saved my life. Life on the streets in the Netherlands was tough, but I can't begin to comprehend how hard it would be in a country like Finland. Keep up the good work. [edit[ I still find it incomprehendible that's it's proven to be cheaper to help the homeless rather than to ignore them. Some countries can learn something from this. (Looking at you, USA) [/edit]

[@hisomeonetrackingmuch1309]

A well deserved stare. Congratulations on finding help, growing trust, and building a home

[@ruthretzke8785]

I applaud you, sir. Here, in America, the problems of homelessness, mental illnesses, cancer and other cataprophic diseases, our on-going educational crisises, as well as, many other problems, CAN BE solved with the stroke of a pen, DETERMINATION to do what is right. HOWEVER, to solve these problems, it would take away the graft and the meriad of political "influencers" who "rule the roost", as it were. There is NO money in curing any of these illnesses of humanity in America. I believe American citizens can learn a lot from our friends across the pond. We will do a lot to heed this cautionary tale.

[@Max0r847]

It's actually not cheaper for the capitalist, because keeping an underclass of homeless people helps scare everyone else into low wages. Homelessness is GREAT for profits and keeping workers in line!

[@hisomeonetrackingmuch1309]

@@Max0r847 good point

[@VonsWanderingMind]

I'm dutch too. It's the choice of the politician. They want POWER. They don 't give a shit about people!

[@belindapoplin5439]

Wow 👌 Finland's ability to understand and prioritize benevolence and humanity is something to respect and admire...America needs to TAKE NOTES

[@lkeke35]

There is no perfect country! Finland isn't perfect either but at least they're trying to be better than they were before. It's worse to make no effort to solve a problem than to try to solve it and fail. America isn't even trying!

[@patland1762]

We as a nation rarely look to better functioning nations for ways to improve our society. My favorite stupid quote is "America is the greatest country in the world." By almost any measure compared to the OEC nations we obviously are not.

[@newolde1]

​@@patland1762indeed. But the US certainly shines in terms of nationalist propaganda. 😂😢

[@rogerstarkey5390]

​@@newolde1 CRUEL!!! . . . . But fair!!

[@patwelch8187]

it's the 22 million invaders that's the problem. each one costs the American people $400.00 per day, but our vets get nothing..VOTE REPUBLICAN next time...

[@renahajiyeva1426]

There are times when I am so disgusted with people’s behavior and the atrocities we are capable of, and there are times when I am in awe of the power and kindness of the humanity. Go figure.

[@DJ_Dutchess]

"Anyone who has a messy room has a messy mind." 🥺 This is really deep actually

[@creativitycatalyst]

If this existed in the US, one of my dearest friends would still be alive. He hung himself this summer because he couldn't afford his apartment anymore and was facing homelessness. I'm absolutely shattered by losing him.

[@LisaKate2010]

@creativitycatalyst , Heartfelt condolences for your loss... May your friend rest in peace. 🙏💔😢🌷

[@alohawhy]

Condolences😢.

[@Star-um9cz]

I’m sorry for your friend, he had a life to live that circumstances caused by evil took away ❤😭 May he rest in peace 🕊️

[@creativitycatalyst]

@@Star-um9cz Thank you. Such needless suffering and injustice.

[@janetlawson4482]

I am so sorry, I am American and I feel that human lives are not being valued, it’s tremendously sad.

[@Scrubasteveable]

Good for these people and their country. America needs to take better care of our people.

[@emusaurus]

All 340 million of them.

[@Plethorality]

​@@emusauruspreventing homelessness would help a lot, and yes, housing the homeless. Just lose the resentment towards anyone else getting help. That is what America really needs to overcome.

[@hunger4wonder]

Americans need to take better care of each other. Then the government will follow.

[@workingman-xl6xh]

"America is rich" but we are trillions in debt.

[@ApriliaRacer14]

@@emusaurusBut we allow our government to spend it on wars.

[@andrewpinto1778]

Very proud of Finland and the people behind this programme. Hopefully the world can follow and get rid of homelessness.

[@manuelvazquez8758]

The problem is not solved until they become working, productive citizens.

[@RoseyTucker]

@@manuelvazquez8758 Since the homeless are suffering from either drug addiction, mental, &/or physical health issues, and perhaps have no idea of basic hygiene, how to shop for, and prepare healthy food, realistically are they going to get and keep a job? For every available position, they would, be competing with people in good health, who have relevant work experience. As a grown adult, most likely they'd have a either a blank resume, or one that has skills that are non-existent, or severely outdated. And who would want to hire them anyway? Would you choose an unknown quantity such as them, over a "normal" person? Would you throw caution to the wind, and just take a chance on them? From your comment, I already know that you definitely would not. Your standard answer, they should get a job,that you keep robotically repeating, is not a solution to poverty, or homelessness. And be aware, in this post COVID economy it's only going to get much worse. With rents, rapidly rising, and mortgage rates spiraling out of control, too soon we'll start to see "average" families literally out on our streets.

[@isaacortiz738]

Never will happen in the US. Housing is a commodity that can be exploited for generating capital. The US was founded as a colony for the wealthy to exploit and will continue to remain a colony for the wealthy to exploit.

[@douglasparise3986]

Yes , here in America the government should provide free homes for everyone,in addition to free healthcare,clothing, food, transportation, college, and bling. Just tax the cash cow middle class.easy.

[@grimmow187]

i'm from Finland and i used to be homeless my entire teen life and early adulthood. don't be fooled by this video, these housing benefits are only available in the capital city Helsinki. few cities down, the issues are still there. many of these ''shelters'' are taking advantage of homeless people, they promise you an apartment once you have worked at a specific place for certain time. i worked those slave labor jobs for 2 years and i never got my apartment from them. when i say slave labor i really mean it, minimum wage here is 9 bucks an hour, but those jobs pay 9 bucks a day. A DAY. you can barely eat with that. but food isn't the only thing a human needs... you will be put to shelter housing initially and you will live in a same room with 4 other people, and theres criminals, addicts, and illegals in the same room with you, you gona have to sleep other eye open. this is why most prefer living outside than in the shelter. homelessness is not solved. its going worse and worse every year. i mean, where do you think all those refugees from other countries go to? they get housing, but us who already live here and who lost their homes due to bad cards in life, we are completely neglected.

[@creative2716]

I applaud you for treating people as human beings. Respect.

[@MorgueRat]

As an American born person, I have LOVED Finland as a whole for over a decade. They are my autistic obsession. We could learn so much from these wonderful people. Thank you for bringing lite to their ways of life. True Humaniatrians.

[@donnazasgoat2274]

Imagine a country that could find appropriate jobs for us, the autistic community! Instead the homeless in America are not diagnosed with ASD and forced into mental illness programs which is terrible. My girlfriend who I believe is also on the ASD spectrum is forced into jobs that simply don't work for her and I can't get her to understand that these jobs are not the best fit. Yet they keep trying and she goes along with it because according to the bureaucracy in order to receive housing and food stamps she must. It's a lose-lose situation. How many times do you have to accept deli jobs when you're a college degree holder? She's been fired more times than I can count.

[@goodgalbadhabits]

As an autistic Finn this warmed my heart :')

[@kreh1100]

As an American it makes me ashamed that we won't do this!!!! As usual it's MONEY before PEOPLE 😢

[@3nertia]

Welcome to capitalism - Profits over People! I'm convinced America is The Great Capitalist Experiment heh

[@patland1762]

Our American culture is too uncivilized and uncaring to address the problem.

[@karifoto]

Welcome to corporatism! Big corporations have captured our politicians through legal bribery. Congress doesn't work for us, they work for their donors. And many corporations get subsidized by the government, or huge tax breaks, which is basically socialism for them but we don't get any of that. The government can find the money to help the people. They have no limits when it comes to the military budget or war or tax cuts for the rich...but when we need something, all of a sudden there's no money. Vote for people who don't take big donor money. Vote for people who want real change

[@user-vd2jk7dl3p]

​@@3nertiaFinland is capitalist as well. It's the reason the entire population is not destitute. The have a smaller and less diverse population which makes it easier for them to deal with these issues. That being said the US is so bad because of progressive policies that allow for people to be more comfortable outside instead of getting help. Also massive corruption.

[@amanitamuscaria7500]

Same in UK

[@nicmax444]

Love this. There’s absolutely no excuse for homelessness in the Western world.

[@virginia3222]

In the US many homeless people have severe mental problems and cannot take care of themselves. But our laws say that people are “free” to live and die on the streets, unable to feed, clothe or shelter themselves. They cannot be forced to do anything except clear out when a cleanup takes garbage and tents.

[@spirit_wolf123]

​​​@@virginia3222I've never had a home and you're lying only 1% of the homeless are severely mentally ill beyond taking care of themselves that's why California had to expand its definition of gravely disabled.. the problem for America fixing homelessness is that Americans believe in blame Force punishment and control.. and we have no basic right to housing as we should be as how we are all human and we all have different capabilities there will always be those less capable and living at the bottom who are affected by those who are more capable.. because America is such a narcissist self-centered society of status in class one doesn't have the choice always to have a home as others get to choose whether you're worthy enough to rent or not.........

[@deborahperry7199]

Only one excuse a government who does not care about it's people...

[@jaro6985]

@@spirit_wolf123 12% of california homeless have hallucinations. Yes the vast majority of people can be helped. But I'd think its a bit more than 1%, would need serious treatment and constant monitoring.

[@magister4361]

@@spirit_wolf123. Excellently put. So true. Thank you

[@debbieheim9259]

I agree with all of this. Ive been saying this for years. Housing first... you are a grest example for everyone. Thank you. Its great to see how much you really care about everyone.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

Finland sets the example for the rest of the world in so many ways.

[@dandychiggins6802]

Such as......finish your story.......

[@DutchVanDerLindo]

ikr?

[@robertoloya8696]

Finland will show some kind of example, that is for sure. Someone follow up in this story one year from now

[@juliewalker5417]

Absolutely

[@kenswireart88]

It's not only Finland , it's so many countries even Africa. Problem with the west American and Europe is.too many people coming here thinking it's the land.of opportunities and it's Saturated.

[@OgramRavot21]

I love Finland 🇫🇮 I visited there 3 times. Twice in 2007 and once in 2010. The people there are so kind.

[@dandychiggins6802]

Great story.....next

[@dandychiggins6802]

Tell us more a out your great story and how you visited a place on earth. Please.

[@sherryditzler7908]

May God continue to bless Finland for treating people like people. May the USA and other countries start a housing 1st program and build low income buildings. Get homeless people off the streets in Jesus name!!!

[@ellav5387]

@@dandychiggins6802 It must be exhausting getting angry over the Internet for nothing.

[@marencruickshank]

❤

[@ariannecollman1972]

I am an American, and I fully support housing first initiatives in my state, and on the federal level. We have so many empty buildings here (in the Seattle area) that I don't know why we don't utilize them. So many people over here have become numb and even angry at the homeless that it's......heartbreaking and makes me so angry sometimes.

[@junglechick13]

Right? I don't understand why empty buildings and malls aren't used for housing and community.

[@fredachildress3728]

I live in Texas and of course our representatives, who are mostly wealthy republicans don't give a damn about us, the poor and the workers. They're really good at banning abortions and banning books though, but as for implementing programs like Finland has, nope not going to happen.😢😢😢😢

[@lisapalmeno4488]

They're so focused on building for rich people to increase the tax based here in my city in Illinois that so many buildings and houses have gone to rot, and our homeless situation is overwhelming. Yet, we have a former housing project boarded up and ready to be demolished, and they demolished a perfectly good school as well. It's absolutely ridiculous.

[@mariomovillon1613]

Well done Mayor of Helsinki! So admirable. The whole world can surely learn from your realistic policy that really works and practicable.

[@janetlee4421]

Great job, Finland! I wish America would learn from your example. People caring about people. Thats how it should be. ❤❤❤

[@Gabgard-eq9vh]

Americans only care about money ...not people...😅😅

[@damianjones6546]

Exactly. I hope we can do something similar in the UK. When the Conservative government is replaced by Labour in the next election then there will be more hope. You never know, if Trump wins the next election in the US then he may focus more on the homeless problem in the US.

[@janisrands8990]

ask the hardworking,, taxpayers about that.....and especially those at or below the poverty level...pay and pay, .. No one should be homeless. it is wrong and should never happen. Remember America send billions and more of those taxpayers dollars all over the world to help. some help.@housingdinosaur8185

[@RS-ls7mm]

Finland is full of hard working, educated, intelligent people. The US is being flooded with the failures of the world. The US is done.

[@janetlee4421]

​@@damianjones6546 Trump only cares about himself. He's the worst. His psychologist niece, Mary, thinks he's a psychopath. She wrote a book about him, " Too Much and Never Enough". There's a lot going on psychologically. I'd like to see a mass Exodus from religions that teach dogma and fear. We need people thinking for themselves. Love 💕 and 🚨 light! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pest174]

This is incredible to watch as an American. Thank you, Mark, for all your work.

[@DaydreamingSwede]

​@SanityTV_Last_Sane_Man_Alive if we mention population and attractiveness as reasons the US has more of a problem with homelessness we should also mention economics. The US has more than enough money to make up for the population difference, and the attractiveness to move and work there means that there will always be jobs in need of filling (a demand for work means cheap labour, meaning more business' move there) giving even more incentive to get the homeless back into the working field

[@Cyber_Freedom]

​@SanityTV_Last_Sane_Man_Alive Maybe if corporations paid their fair share, we wouldn't have this problem.The tax-avoiding companies represent various industries and collectively enjoyed almost $40.5 billion in U.S. pretax income in 2020, according to their annual financial reports. The statutory federal tax rate for corporate profits is 21 percent.

[@Cyber_Freedom]

​@SanityTV_Last_Sane_Man_AliveThe 55 corporations would have paid a collective total of $8.5 billion for the year had they paid that rate on their 2020 income. Instead, they received $3.5 billion in tax rebates.

[@Cyber_Freedom]

​@SanityTV_Last_Sane_Man_AliveAccording to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, it would cost $20 billion to end homelessness in the United States.

[@ohmypaper]

17:21 “You can never get so low that we will not be beside you. We will walk with you”. My god, I am crying. This is the best thing you can tell somebody, the best words a person can hear. Is this beautiful woman a saint or an angel? Yes and no. This is not only her to thank but her country too. This society does THIS, while other countries and societies do wars. The true greatness of a nation can be measured by how a nation cares for its weakest.

[@therealkoolaidandkale]

I literally had to pause the video as I burst into tears after hearing that.

[@rainbomg]

Do you think it’s easier for them because they all look alike and speak the same language?

[@ohmypaper]

@@rainbomg, they look alike only for us, in the strangers' eyes, but culturally and socially Finland is not a village anymore, it's growing and becoming more diverse and complexed, but they are trying really hard to do right things.

[@bambinaforever1402]

@@feralkittensreally? So go pay 60% taxes on your salary for low life live free

[@bambinaforever1402]

@@rainbomgno, honey, not anymore, in some areas u would think u re in marocco or somali and not in Finland. Like everywhere in Europe

[@wendygillard2133]

What a remarkable achievement for Finland. Australia needs to adopt a programme like this too.

[@flej01]

Wow a country that cares, hats off guys. You rock.

[@robertoloya8696]

Go live over there

[@flourishwithMJ]

It's all about restoring human dignity, enabling them to start anew. Great work, Finland. Your high education is reflected in your remarkable values of integrity, compassion, and excellence. Thank you for giving them hope.❤

[@warrentoles3127]

If it was about that, most people should be homeless lol. The problem is your view of these people. I know most people WITH homes who lack dignity, integrity and self respect.

[@angelashort1331]

That's what Christ's BE ATTITUDES DO , THEY RESTORE EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWS THEM , it's a great pity that His Wisdom has been Cancelled , ❤

[@christophersamson621]

Finland is consistently ranked one in education and now they are doing best to solve homelessness. Their government has really a heart for its citizens. The fact that they make everyone empowered is a very good example of excellent governance. I hope in my lifetime, I'll see my country Philippines following the footsteps of Finland even with just a mere light. As I learned from the documentary, their government had been doing interventions since 2008 so it is my hope that in the coming years this solution will at least reach our politicians and study it on how to make it more suitable to our country so that it will make a difference to the lives of their citizens.

[@stereodreamer23]

If Finland really "had a heard for their Citizens", they would close their borders. Finland for Fins...

[@MrTeddy12397]

PISA scores just dropped like 20 places in ranking

[@uis246]

Their government IS citizens. Unlike some other countries.

[@hoblon]

To understand why it works you need to realize that the government IS the people. It's the same thing here in Finland. I moved to Finland with my family 4 years ago. And the main reason to move was finns themselves. The culture. How people treat each other. In what other country are people saying "thank you" to a bus driver when leaving a bus?

[@MrTeddy12397]

@@hoblon people in every single country say thank you to bus drivers

[@SharlenesJourney]

These people are speaking straight facts being homeless makes you feel like you’re not apart of society 😢💔💔💔💔💔

[@PrivateBanking411]

🙏🏻 🙂 💯

[@kileysevens9116]

Aww Leevi, started using drugs for the same reason I fell into addiction. I'm 6 years sober now... changed my life around completely. Trauma is the root to ALL addictions. Trauma is the gateway to substance abuse. I hope he decides to heal... we have to heal and grieve from the trauma that first made us want to be numb in order to maintain our sobriety and develop healthy coping skills. Praying to all addicts to find and recognize their strength ❤

[@snowygirl131]

Have others noticed the pride these people take in their new homes, decorating them and such? ❤ Also, the first woman shown (pink decor in apt.) was the first formerly homeless person whom I could not identify as having been homeless based on her appearance. Just halting the negative health consequences of homelessness can be a money saver.

[@YoniBaruch-y3m]

Wow those are nice places. When I was (almost) homeless I could have lived well in one hundredth of that space. (Easier to keep clean and organized!) So envious of anyone who is legal to stay permanently in Finland! It’s the insult of having ZERO of an essential life resource that kills, or permanently damages, or alienates people. Add in the access to productive unpaid activities and this project is the perfect picture of what a well thought out UBI system would achieve.

[@lexpox329]

I was thinking that its only a money saver if the public has to pay either way, here (USA) a homeless persons health bill gets written off as bad debt or charity by the local hospital the government is not on the hook for the bill. Since the public doesn't pay directly for these health problems there is no incentive to reduce homelessness from a financial standpoint. As someone who thinks each person is responsible for their own life and getting and keeping a job and finding a place to live that is affordable for them I don't really like the public paying for something that each person should be paying for themselves. But I also see the absolute mess that most homeless people are mentally, and realize many really can't hold a job of almost any kind. So the question becomes do I think that they should just be on the street to die or should the public pay a small amount to provide some very basic functional housing for anyone who needs it? I think maybe yes, if its very basic, to keep the costs low, I think I am okay with even addicts living for the rest of their lives in such a place. It seems that Finland has paired these housing situations with lots of people who interact daily with the residents and I think that human contact can help these people come back from the abyss and begin to put their lives together, give them a reason to keep living and maybe one day be able to maintain a job and move into regular housing again. It seems that the shown homeless people in this video where making progress in taking some responsibility, working at the housing place a few times per week and taking care of their apartments. These seem to be the first steps toward becoming self supported again. Which to me really has to be the end goal of any of these programs. Just giving people a place to live without encouraging them to get clean/sober and rejoin society would seem to be enabling their addiction. I would be interested to know how much this costs Finland. Its seems relatively economical housing but also lots of salaries in personnel to run them.

[@SindriMjolnir]

@@lexpox329in the long run, a program such as this saves a lot of money (and lives). First of all it saves money on expensive healthcare, such as emergency services, as well as costs around cleaning up around camps on the streets, etc. However, the biggest benefit is that, in time, the people, who would’ve otherwise been a constant drain on a cold inhumane system, turn into contributing members of society. So, in essence, what this type of program does is: first; reducing the cost of homelessness, and second; in the long term, making more taxpayers. All of which are well known benefits of reducing human suffering.

[@michele7607]

Absolute Congratulations to Finland and Helsinki's gestion of the homelessness problem. You deserve a Nobel Price !!!

[@highlovevibration]

Absolutely!

[@lorraineq]

If finland let in as much migrants,and immigrants as uk&ireland,they wud "legally have to give them there own home 2years after arriving.​@@highlovevibration

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

Bravo 👏🏻 Finland!! As someone who just experienced homelessness and saw firsthand the horrors of it here in the U.S. it gives me great hope to see how this beautiful country actually solved or almost completely solved the problem!!! This proves beyond doubt that it is possible!!!! Until we as a society here in the States demand our government adopt measures similar to those shown here, American homelessness will continue to be horrific!!

[@c.t.murray3632]

Human beings first. This is an excellent project that Finland has given the world. These are valuable people with talents they don't know they have yet. With the support system given to them they can excel. Thank you Finland

[@Pocket_Champs2023]

God bless Finland 😊

[@loversleap5114]

The world 🌎 should look to Finland 🇫🇮 great country 👍 good job looking out for your citizens 👏

[@pike9513]

Not any more 2023!

[@stevespeak1007]

Who would have thought humanising the issue would solve the problem? Praise be to you all💙💙

[@mbm8690]

1:50 Homelessness isn't always caused by consuming any drugs, illegal substancies or alcohol - there are many reasons why someone ends up homeless in the streets, health issues, debts, low income or none at all, lack of working opportunities, lack of affordable apartments, lack of space, relationships and marriages not working, and many, many reasons more.

[@Glotglot]

Mental illnesses, addictions, veterans, and institutionalization significantly contribute to homelessness in America.

[@JacquelineGriggs-wv3oj]

So true totally agree, and there are also many reasons why people end up with addiction. Some got hooked from long-term pain, and some couldn't work from long-term pain. When you can't afford a doctor for your pain and you're homeless, you will seek anything to kill that pain

[@thaaynatal]

True, addiction is just the tip of the iceberg. It usually starts with mental health and broken relationships, those lead to the addiction and homelessness 😢

[@kellywaller8829]

What a beautiful offer, ?they never are so low that we will not help them, we will be beside them" This show of empathy brings tears to my eyes.

[@pauletteparker7225]

So proud of you, Finland, for making a simple, caring solution for your people . Blessings for all involved. ❤

[@joshuagop5909]

I was homeless for three years.... i was blessed with a second chance... this warms my heart so much!! We as a nation need to end the stigma around mental health and do this!!!!

[@yvonelisha3877]

11:29 This, people who experienced homelessness they are the best advocacy workers!! Bless these people and all homeless ones! ❤ Aswell reporting their social report straight to involved disciplines and media, without interference, nobody can influence. Bravo!!

[@amandaivory9324]

Well done Finland for leading by example hope the rest of the world can follow in your footsteps xx

[@shaunhall6834]

We can do this. It starts in your own community. Find the people who are making a difference and help in whatever way you can.

[@billyhughes9776]

@stephanieellison7834 This is also part of the solution.

[@suzannemcmaken4648]

@stephanieellison7834 How about people getting off of drugs? No responsibility?

[@kindking8009]

Exactly. In the US I think it works better if it starts as a grass roots issue and builds up rather than trying to implement some federal plan that will help everyone, everywhere all at once. The US is too big and too diverse for that. It needs to start in communities, achieve success on that level, then take it to the next level.

[@kathleenmann7311]

Blame the real estate speculators for raising the rents. The people who buy homes, hold them or rent them out after doing a few renovations.

[@Aquamarie33]

Corporations buy house after house then jack up the prices. Obscene profits here in the USA

[@Creative4aReason]

This happens in the west and the south but the Single Family home prices in a city like Boston do not support the model of renting a single family home to make profits.

[@lindsayk882]

This was beautiful to watch. We in North America have so much to learn from this. The love, compassion, respect and determination to help those that are struggling is like nothing I've seen over here. We need to do better ❤

[@velshock]

Good on you Finland. Meanwhile, the “richest country in the world “ is becoming a dystopian nightmare.

[@lkeke35]

A dystopia where we champion the idea of exploiting, demonizing, and pitting one group against the least powerful people in this country! We need to convince people that's it's on their own best interest to house everyone in order for it to work here because Americans operate according to self interest and the idea that people "deserve" help.

[@slimdusty6328]

Genuine natural human (ie: humanism) empathy verses the charade of fake style of religious based empathy.

[@robertholland7558]

Becoming? It has been since last century

[@mygirldarby]

​@@robertholland7558 oh bs. Is that why all those people from different countries try to immigrate here?

[@iguanarapido2552]

@@mygirldarby PPL immigrate here for many reasons including money opportunities The more ppl become individualistic and self centered the more we leave other ppl behind Capitalism is the main cause of human individualism and morality shift Poverty is the main reason for high crime rate and byproduct of capitalism

[@sarajuanaict]

I love that you provide rehearsal space for starving musicians! This is wll so amazing ❤

[@scootermom1791]

I love that, too! I was fortunate to visit Scandinavian countries several years ago and marveled at the talent of street musicians. It wasn't something seen where I live, although since that time, more people have begun performing on the streets.

[@Journeyoflove13]

Yeah, I love that too! 😍

[@nanacat4674]

As a Finnish, I'm gladly paying my taxes and donating to these organizations when I see it's actually helping people, especially the homeless❤ It is heartbreaking to see the suffering and pain people have. This is going to upset very many.. but I think what Americans don't have, is the pure will to use money to help those who actually need it the most, those that are homeless and have all kinds of problems in their life. Being selfish and not willing to use money to the right things, to things that would help the society, is a huge and deeply rooted problem in the system. And it cannot be fixed over night or by few people, you need to have everyone on the same boat. If you want to actually do something, you would do it and find ways to do it.

[@belindarawlings778]

I absolutely loved watching this. It shows the heart of Finland. Just wonderful and so much understanding and compassion giving people dignity to find themselves in a world which is supporting them and giving love and understanding❤️❤️❤️

[@TSG2.0]

Well done Finland! Now you can be used as a proven case study, worldwide ❤

[@daveroy1066]

Not going to happen, sadly. The situation is a consequence of the Monetary/Banking system. *Robert Hemphill, for 8 years credit manager of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta said:* *If all bank loans were paid, no one would have a bank deposit, and there would not be a dollar of currency in circulation. This is a staggering thought. We are completely dependent on the commercial banks. Someone has to borrow every dollar we have in circulation, cash or credit. If the banks create ample synthetic money, we are prosperous; if not, we starve. We are absolutely without a permanent monetary system. When one gets a complete grasp upon the picture, the tragic absurdity of our hopeless position is almost incredible-but there it is. It (the banking problem) is the most important subject intelligent persons can investigate and reflect upon. It is so important that our present civilization may collapse unless it is widely understood and the defects remedied very soon." -Famous Quotations on Money, by Sheldon Emry* *Concerning government bonds issued for a construction project Thomas Edison said:* *People who will not turn a shovel full of dirt on the project, nor contribute a pound of material, will collect more money from the United States than will the people who supply all the material and do all the work. This is the terrible thing about interest.* *In all great bond issues the interest is always greater than the principal. All the great public works cost more than twice as much on that account. Under the present system of doing business we simply add from 120% to 150% to the stated cost.* *But here is the point: If our nation can issue a dollar bond, it is capable of issuing a dollar bill. The element that makes the bond good makes the bill good also. The difference between the bond and the bill is that the bond lets the money broker collect twice the amount of the bond and an additional 20%. Whereas the currency, the honest sort provided by the Constitution, pays nobody but those who contribute in some useful way. It is absurd to say our country can issue bonds and cannot issue currency. Both are promises to pay but one fattens the usurer and the other helps the people.* *If the currency issued by the people were no good, then the bonds would be no good either. It is a terrible situation when the Government, to insure the National wealth, must go in debt and submit to ruinous interest charges at the hands of men who control the fictitious value of gold. Interest is the invention of Satan." -Lightning Over The Treasury Building, by J.R. Elsom*

[@ladybug591]

Nope, please think this out - there is no comparison - Finland has 6 million, mainly white people - America is a MIXED-RACE country of 333 MILLION, recently having millions of illegals flooding into the country driving up the cost of housing and everything else and taking jobs from those people who are Americans. There is so much bias and deliberate misinformation about how much assistance is given, but the truth is BILLIONS of wasted dollars have been thrown at this "problem", the system has been wrecked because the stolen tax money has been going to hundreds of thousands of crony, fake government subsidized, welfare organizations who have caused even more problems. This is obvious to those who want to see. Yet some STILL insist that government will help and will fix the problem that they the government created. God help you all. Only family and friends, and good local charitable organizations, free of government subsidies, do a decent job of helping others. Ignorance is bliss.

[@Kari.F.]

Yeah, Finland is definitely leading the way here. It's up to every other country to decide whether they will follow their example. 👏

[@ponorj]

This approach is what needs to happen here in Vancouver. The city needs to provide some free and affordable housing so that our homeless community can start to rehabilitate. The expectation that we have for these communities to rehabilitate first before we can provide them with housing is ridiculous and unrealistic.

[@Gabriel_Blair]

unfortunately, rich people like money too much, and the only way that will happen is through the government stopping the rich people. doubly unfortunately, the government is the rich people

[@joywebster2678]

Come on, we had extensive " welfare housing" in Canada since the 50s. Feds stopped transfer payments, and the addicted violated the housing rules. So add in overwhelming numbers of international students, refugees, immigrants who all want Vancouver, many subsidized buildings were sold to private companies. Plus the safe drug Injection centers, and clean supply, the addicts no longer returned to their apts. Preferring a tent near their supply. So we had it lost it. The commitment before those gpfree drug handouts was, detox facilities, sober living facilities, and thus assisting the rehab process. But now we are without housing for seniors, the addicted, the Mentally ill, young folks, and the millions of new arrivals. Not enough hospitals, Dr's, infrastructure. So we need new federal government, and slow the rush of newcomers, increase jobs, and increase housing and infrastructure. Go back to having affordable housing options, vs condos condos condos.

[@cheryljacques5558]

Bravo Finland it’s truly shameful that the US cannot do this

[@robertholland7558]

They can, but choose not to, deliberately!

[@MaxZagar]

You have to think State and city, not US. US has also the opportunity to travel from state to state. In Finland you have to be a citizen... Or a refugee 😬 There is also the cost, a 4300€ monthly makes a 2300 € net income, with all the taxes, fees, and insurance. A young 24 years old will have to work until 69.5 years in order to get pension. It is ridiculous. Yes, it is possible to do it.

[@powderandpaint14]

They could, but they choose not to.

[@OneCatShortOfCrazy]

You really can't compaire a sosialistic country like Finland and a dystopian capitalistic hellhole like the USA. What finland and other sosialistic coutries do, is care for the individual and protect people while demanding that they in turn care also for their fellow citizens and home. In america, this kind of thinking is an abomination and against the "american way". Socialist is a derogatrory word in USA, how can anyone expect anythign like this can happen in such a place. A whole world of things need to change in the "good old" USA before anythign remotely sane can be done there. (but it will not happen)

[@tinman67tn]

Finland has a smaller population than the CITY of New York. The USA takes in more immigrants in ONE MONTH, than Finland does in 20 YEARS. USA is culturally diverse country of 340 million people, while 90% of the 5.5 million people in Finland........are Finnish people. Finland has STRICT immigration laws and they enforce them, while there are an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the USA as I write this.

[@antheadelmotte9473]

Well done Finland! Example is the best form of leadership.❤

[@theninedivides6851]

Way to go Finland! I hope America can one day implement a solution in the future

[@cericat]

The sad thing is we could all do so much to fix the problem, but refuse to because we rather blame the victims than fix the causes especially since so much money is involved. Governments would rather fund "charities" like the Salvation Army than spend a fraction of that on providing public housing and reducing the money given to organisations that often have big problems.

[@NumberNine_9]

The government is too preoccupied with giving everything and anything to the millions of illegals that are in and continue to cross our border.

[@aw3271]

​@@cericat The US government would rather bleed us dry and give all our money away to foreign nations than take care of our own people. Veterans don't receive adequate housing or healthcare. Homeless don't receive adequate mental health and addiction prevention services. The federal reserve acts as a money printer driving the US deeper into debt so we are all screwed. Why should we the people be responsible for a few old men who decided to run this country into the ground?

[@andrewthomas695]

​@@cericatAgreed. The underlying problem in the US is not one of policy or system, but of culture. Americans, despite all their talk of "hopes and prayers" are fundamentally unchristian, whereas the Finish rarely speak of such things, instead choosing to act so. Susi is Finland, whereas greed is America.

[@EricNorthman-h2f]

​@@andrewthomas695 GO live there!

[@HelenEk7]

As a fellow Nordic person I am so proud of Finland! Well done. I just started the video, so they might mention this later on, but interestingly, "housing first" was a concept developed in the US. Its just a pity that it never spread there.

[@4x4r974]

'Housing first' assumes that housing was the issue in the first place. In the case of the US, it is not. It is drugs. The Nordics and Europe in general could never even begin to image the level of drug addiction in the US, and the amount of drugs pouring in from the Southern border. Housing first has been tried in the US, too. Houses just turn into whore houses and trap houses. Crime, drugs, prostitution, murder and so on. These people's problem isnt lack of housing.

[@gordonshumway5933]

Don’t have an insurrection, give your mind lords a few days off. You’ll still hold all the opinions they want you to hold, you’ll still be everybody’s least favorite conversation, BUT MAYBE YOU WONT BE SO ANGRY OR SAY STUPID THINGS LIKE “MEN OF FIGHTING AGE” or “GIVING AWAY OUR RESOURCES” and how about go vote for more tax cuts for billionaires then complain about Americans resources being given away 👍🏼

[@mariloveskai]

Never say never. Housing first is a lot more difficult without the housing.

[@HelenEk7]

@@SanDiegoI904 Where do you live, where illegal immigrants are eligible for Housing First?

[@charliecandimaunten1635]

The biggest obstacle to doing this in the US is this myth we have that if you're rich, you're a good person, and if you're poor, well, you deserve it. There are more empty houses owned by venture capital than homeless people in the US; we could end homelessness overnight without building anything, but we won't because we treat homelessness like it's a lifestyle choice made by horrible people, and helping them somehow diminishes the rest of us. One of the most harmful mass delusions of the second millennium.

[@irenegonzalez201]

I respectfully disagree. I was briefly homeless, and for many people it is a choice. Not all, but many.

[@thalesfm]

@@irenegonzalez201 In what way is your anecdotal experience relevant here? The majority of homeless people got into that situation due to circumstance, be that financial troubles, mental health issues, drug addiction, likely a combination of all three. That's not a choice. Maybe this is news to you, but most people would rather have a roof over their head than not.

[@irenegonzalez201]

@@thalesfm I agree that many ppl become homeless through no fault of their own. It happened to me. However, when years go by and you still haven't managed to improve anything about your life, if you are of sound mind and able-bodied, then it is a lifestyle choice. I've seen it. I was there. Sure they would love a free place to live. But an affordable place to live and a job, that's another story.

[@saijanaswamy7210]

​@@irenegonzalez201things magically get better in 10 yrs? I'm homeless and trying to get govt aid so i can have medical care, food and assist. In paying my basic bills. That alone has been a long difficult process. I am trying to make phone calls to see whee i can move to and esp now with the terrible job market...its fascinating to me to see ppl struggle or have struggle and yet have no empathy or understanding on hard it is. And for person like yourself on top of it it say "within x yrs if they don't get better, then clearly they choose their situation"

[@muensterchicken2030]

@@irenegonzalez201I can’t really speak against your experience because I don’t know it personally. But you’re only viewing homelessness by your own metric. And not that it’s a systemic problem. The people who end up on the street have a much lower or no chance at all of getting a job because of their current condition. On top of that drug uses becomes more and more applicable to these people because of the situation their in.

[@marymiles9922]

👏👏👏 to Finland! The US needs to do this! Housing takes a huge portion of the hopelessness away. 🙏

[@rogerstarkey5390]

You can just hear the distant cry of "BUT COMMUNISM!!!!" from certain factions, can't you?

[@JulieSevelson-nb9nj]

​@@rogerstarkey5390Finland has a strong safety nets system,but also the economic system is capitalist,but it in a good way, unlike the English speaking countries, including America. They are NOT Communists in the Scandinavian countries !! Marxism is terrifying to them.

[@JulieSevelson-nb9nj]

​@@amonix4035It can be very dangerous to take strangers into one's home ! Never suggest this, it's been done,and people have been attacked and killed at times. Affordable housing is the answer.

[@Sunshine-ov5nu]

This is soo wonderful what they are doing !! Soo many countries need to follow this. We need more compassion for others God Bless Finland!!

[@eeeb2140]

Many countries use the Housing First model to address homelessness

[@BlondeManNoName]

The difference is that in Finland there is a social democracy, empathy and less greed.

[@Plethorality]

And less wilful cruelty towards those deemed to be lower status. America needs to repent from hating her own people.

[@kakerandelin]

That was 30 years ago. Nowadays most people are brainwashed to the american style neoliberal ways. We have neoliberals and fascists in power now so even the small amount of empathy we had left is going out the window fast. Fingers crossed that people see all the shiet they're doing and vote smarter next time but I wouldn't bet on it.

[@jerrimenard3092]

Also, in Finland you have people who emerged from a tribal culture. They are not so top down. Most people are not religious. I am an American and what I notice is a lot of classism and Christian Nationalism. As long as both are allowed to continue, we will have rampant homeless, mass shootings, ECT.

[@iraeaglemind]

A yes "Greed"!!Correct.

[@56TheAnimal]

Maybe we should the American homeless there.

[@mmhmm1974]

"You can never get so low thate we will not be beside you" when she said that, my heart melted, that was so beautiful.

[@CaptainHowdy-c3y]

I've been homeless a few times in my life. I own a home in another state, but live in temporary housing at the moment. I spent every dime making sure that my parents would not have to live on the street. Now that they are housed and ok, I am saving my money to go home. There are many uncontrollable reasons why people end up on the street.

[@ZamoraLorena]

Hey, not sure where you live, but in my city, the police can connect people with a program that gives them things such as a hotel room for the night, food, clothes, a train ticket back to where they’re from, etc. I would highly recommend looking into whether your city has a similar program. Then you could get back home! You may have to go to your local police department to get in touch with them though. Good luck!