Night of the Unhoused – a reminder of the many faces of homelessness

The Night of the Unhoused is observed across Finland annually on 17 October, the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The purpose of the event is to remind people that housing is a fundamental right and to urge decision-makers to take action to end homelessness.

This year’s theme is ‘Hidden and Unhoused – The Many Faces of Homelessness’. ‘Hidden homelessness’ is a form of homelessness that often goes unrecorded in statistics. In practice, hidden homelessness means that a person is officially registered at an address but, for some reason cannot live there and is instead staying with friends or relatives. This form of homelessness exposes individuals to abuse and various types of violence, and they may be excluded from the services they are entitled to.

In Vaasa, the event is organised by the Housing Advisory Service of the City of Vaasa in collaboration with various partners.

– The aim of the Night of the Unhoused is to encourage a discussion about homelessness and its many forms. Some unhoused individuals have fallen through the cracks and are not registered in any system. They also exist in Vaasa, and our aim is to ensure that, with our help, they can smoothly access the services they need, says Housing Advisor Sanna Halonen.

– We warmly welcome all those interested to attend at a low threshold. In addition to unhoused individuals, we especially welcome those who work on these issues or have an interest in social concerns.

Event details:

Venue: The Draama Room at the Vaasa Main Library, Kirjastonkatu 13
Time: Thursday, 17 October at 18–20.30.

Theme: Hidden and Unhoused – the Many Faces of Homelessness

Programme:

• 18.00. Welcome speech, Sanna Halonen, Housing Advisor with the City of Vaasa
• 18.10. Introduction and presentation: ‘A Safe City and Preventive Work’ by Sari Somppi, Chair of the City Council, criminologist, and forensic psychologist.
• 18.30. Remarks by Peer Expert Ari Kurki.
• 18.45. Panel discussion, led by Sanna Halonen
  • Anne Salovaara-Kero, Director of the Ostrobothnian Crisis Centre and Chair of the County Board.
  • Marja Mustonen, Chief of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia
  • Peter Ehrström, Associate Professor and Senior Researcher at Åbo Akademi
  • Matias Mäkynen, Member of Parliament
• 19.45. ‘Komppis’ workshop by Mielle ry, acoustic music performance

Hot food, coffee, tea, and socks and warm clothing are available for those in need. Local organisations and service providers will also be available to present their services and offer advice.

Participating in the event:
Setlementti, SPR Kirppis Vaasa, Outreach Youth Work, TE services in Osthrobothnia, Mielle ry, Röda Korset Österbotten, KRIS Pohjanmaa, Criminal Sanctions Agency RISE, After-care, the Finish-speaking parish of Vaasa and Food Aid Vaasa.

Organiser:
The Housing Advisory Service of the City of Vaasa in collaboration with partners.

The event is open to all interested parties. You are warmly welcome!