Finland's intriguing take on the homelessness problem

In Finland, the number of homeless people has fallen sharply. The reason: The country applies the “Housing First” concept. Those affected by homelessness receive a small apartment and counselling – without any preconditions. 4 out of 5 people affected thus make their way back into a stable life. And: All this is cheaper than accepting homelessness.

Finland’s take on the homelessness problem is remarkable and gives hope. I live in a small town where the problem is not as apparent as in, say, San Francisco. Whenever I think back to my short time in San Francisco, I shudder at the terrifying homelessness situation I met there. There, in San Francisco, I realized the magnitude of “true liberalism”’s failure.