.....Homlessness in Finland - this is not only an American problem......

Homelessness is an issue all of us should be concerned about.  I volunteered on the Board of Compassionate Ministries and Crosslines, in Neosho for a number of years and attempted to make a small dent in this Nation wide problem.  You will find more posts from me about this issue, in the near future, but tonight - I came across this article from the Great Nation of Finland - in Scandinavia.  Finland is one of the most affluent countries in the world and constantly ranks high with it's great Educational Standards.  I found this article interesting because it speaks of the 350 Homeless families IN FINLAND.  Not, to take away from the plight of these unfortunate people, but it would be awesome if America had a system where ONLY 350 families were homeless!  We have a lot of work to do!................................

Campaign Focuses on Plight of the Homeless

10-10-17

Image: YLE / Timo J Malmi

The Night of the Homeless campaign was launched on Sunday across the country. The campaign organisers want to remind people that a home is both a basic and human right. The lack of a home cannot be accepted in any circumstances, the NGO emphasises.

Campaign organisers, who are arranging the event for the twelfth time, say the consequences of global poverty are also evident in Finland in many ways. Migration within the EU is increasing as disadvantaged people in poorer countries leave their homes to seek a better life elsewhere. They also point to a worsening polarisation between the unemployed poor and those in jobs.

Official estimates put the number of homeless in Finland at 8,150 single person households and 350 homeless families. Half of those without a permanent roof over their heads are in the metropolitan Helsinki region.

A new group of homeless are young people who have lost their credit status and cannot afford to pay high rents. 

YLE