Bournemouth Charity Explores Finland’s World-Leading Approach to Tackling Homelessness

A delegation from Hope Housing and Training Services (HTS) has visited Finland to study its pioneering approach to ending homelessness, aiming to bring valuable insights back to Bournemouth.

The six-person team travelled to Helsinki earlier this month (November) to meet with members of the Y-Foundation, a non-profit organisation instrumental in Finland’s internationally acclaimed Housing First strategy.

The group from Hope HTS visited the Silta Supported Housing Unit, Helsinki

Learning from Finland’s Success

Julie Berti, Founder and CEO of Hope HTS, explained:
“Finland continues to set the global standard with its innovative and effective homelessness solutions. In 1987, the country had 18,000 homeless people; by 2018, that number had dropped to just 5,482.

"Hope HTS has supported over 2,700 people into safe accommodation and helped them rebuild their lives. However, homelessness in Bournemouth and across Dorset is rising at an alarming rate. Applications for homelessness assistance in Bournemouth alone have surged by 168% over the past two years, increasing the demand for secure and stable housing.

"Determined to expand our impact, we reached out to the Y-Foundation and were thrilled to be invited to visit their projects.”

Understanding Housing First

Housing First operates on the principle that access to housing is a fundamental right. Rather than requiring individuals to address health, employment, or addiction issues before securing accommodation, the approach prioritises getting people off the streets first, with additional support provided once they have a stable home.

This philosophy also underpins Prince William’s Homewards Project, which is currently being piloted in six UK regions, including Dorset.

Experiencing Finland’s Model First-Hand

During the visit, the Hope HTS group—including formerly homeless residents Henry and Shannon—toured four Y-Foundation housing sites.

“The Y-Foundation has developed and now leases 16,000 affordable apartments while providing ongoing support services for tenants,” Julie said. “We were incredibly impressed by the quality of accommodation, which gives individuals their own front door, fostering a sense of security, dignity, and self-worth.

“Henry and Shannon met residents who, like them, had experienced homelessness but had been given a fresh start through Housing First. It was inspiring to see how this model has transformed lives, just as Hope HTS strives to do.”

The delegation also explored Finland’s innovative policies to prevent homelessness. Julie noted: “One of the most interesting aspects we discovered was that all young Finns under 30 can rent apartments at 30% below market rates, reducing financial hardship and the risk of falling into homelessness.”

Addressing the Rising Need in Bournemouth

With winter approaching, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council and its partners activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) on 19 November to ensure rough sleepers have access to safe and warm overnight accommodation.

Julie reaffirmed Hope HTS’s commitment to tackling homelessness: “Our visit to Finland was incredibly insightful, equipping us with valuable knowledge to enhance our support services in Dorset.

“We are also excited about potential future collaborations with the Y-Foundation—the first of which we hope to announce in early 2025.”