Finland marks the annual 'Night of the Homeless' theme day on Monday 17 October, an event which aims to focus a spotlight on poverty and social exclusion within Finnish society.
The event's programme usually includes offering assistance to homeless people, such as the distribution of food and clothing, a chance to get a haircut or obtain medical advice.
The theme of this year's event is a 'Future without homelessness', with activists calling on authorities to introduce more concrete measures aimed at eradicating the problem.
There were just under 4,000 people in Finland without a permanent address at the end of last year, according to figures provided by the NGO No Fixed Abode, while about 650 people live on the streets or in temporary accommodation shelters.
Although the overall number of homeless people in Finland has fallen since 2020, the number of long-term homeless people among the immigrant community has increased, making it one of few demographics to do so.
The current administration's programme for government includes an aim of eliminating homelessness entirely by 2027.
Finland has observed the Night of the Homeless every year since 2002, with the date of 17 October coinciding with the UN’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
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