Homelessness can also be seen in Riihimäki

In Riihimäki, homelessness is made visible by celebrating homelessness week from the 21st to the 24th. October 2024. During the week, the theme will be made visible at the housing operators' open doors, collecting donations for the needy and organizing the Homeless Night event at Granitin aukio Square.

This year, the debate about hidden homelessness is being sparked. Hidden homelessness is a problem that does not appear in statistics. A person without a hidden home can be registered with an acquaintance or relative, but in practice, however, he temporarily sleeps on the sofa and is, so to speak, in other people's corners. Hidden homelessness is most common among women, young people and immigrants, and it can also expose the homeless person to exploitation.

Program of the week

Monday 21.10

14–17 NAL Riihimäki association, open doors at youth apartments (Vehmaskentie 3 A 4)

Tuesday 22.10.2024

10 a.m.–12 p.m. Homelessness info Pop up at the Riihimäki city library (Kauppakatu 16)

12–15 Riihimäki Kotikulma (Maisterinkatu 9) open doors

From 18 to 20 the main event of the night of the homeless in Granit aukio

Wednesday 23.10.2024

13pm–16pm Driver's office, guidance and counseling for young people under 30 on Monari (Uudenmaankatu 1)

From 16:20 to 0:30 Kahvila p1int, for young people under XNUMX years old, company, games and snacks at Monari (Uudenmaankatu XNUMX)

Thursday 24.10.2024

From 13.15 to 14.15 p.m. information about homelessness in Riksula, at Antoni's house (Öllerinkatu 3)

14–16 p.m. Tiilikatu rehabilitation unit open doors (Tiilikatu 4)

15–17 Homelessness info Pop up, collection of hygiene and food donations at Prisma (Voimalankatu 2)

Reception of donations

As a donation, we accept, for example, canned meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, well-preserved dry foods and baking ingredients, hygiene products and detergents, as well as gift cards for a grocery store, pharmacy or welfare services. Donations are distributed through the church's diaconia work. The event is organized in cooperation with Riihimäki organizations, foundations, the parish, the Criminal Sanctions Office, and representatives of the city of Riihimäki and Oma Häme.

The Housing Finance and Development Center ARA annually publishes a municipality-specific report on homelessness. According to the 2023 survey, there were 3429 homeless people in Finland. 2139 people were temporarily staying with friends or relatives. However, there are many more of them in hiding. Some have fallen outside of all services and some remain hidden of their own accord due to safety or shame.

According to statistics obtained from adult social work, 818 notifications of the need for support have been made in Riihimäki this year, of which 164 notifications have been related to housing. 93 of the notifications were related to homelessness or the threat thereof. A total of 70 were homeless at the time of the notification or the tenancy had already been terminated or the resident had an eviction pending. Other issues that came up in the reports of concern were rent debt, power outages, the cleanliness of the apartment and exorbitant housing costs.

Losing your own home for any reason is an arresting experience. The stigma of homelessness is strong and can prevent people from applying for services and finding a new home, and distance themselves from safe relationships. It is important to recognize that almost anyone can face situations where returning to their own home is not possible, and in these situations those who do not have a strong support network behind them are in a particularly vulnerable position.