Homelessness is a complex challenge, but Finland’s groundbreaking Housing First model proves it can be solved. Over the last 16 years, Finland has drastically reduced homelessness by focusing on permanent housing first and providing tailored support services afterward. This innovative strategy not only improves lives but also saves money—a lesson Greensboro can learn and adapt to its own needs. By implementing a similar approach, Greensboro can reduce homelessness, cut long-term costs, and set an example for other cities nationwide.
Finland’s Housing First model is built on a simple yet transformative principle: secure housing is the foundation for stability. Unlike traditional approaches that require individuals to overcome challenges like addiction or mental illness before being housed, Housing First provides permanent housing immediately. Once housed, individuals receive access to support services to address other needs.
The results have been remarkable. Finland has nearly eradicated long-term homelessness, with participants benefiting from stable housing, mental health care, addiction recovery programs, and job training. This strategy has reduced the strain on public resources such as emergency shelters, hospitals, and law enforcement, saving the government millions of euros over time.
Greensboro can adapt Finland’s Housing First principles to meet the city’s specific needs. Not only would this approach provide stability and dignity to those experiencing homelessness, but it would also create significant long-term financial savings for the city. Here’s how:
Homelessness places a heavy financial burden on emergency services. Individuals experiencing homelessness are more likely to rely on expensive emergency room visits for healthcare and require law enforcement interventions. Housing First reduces these expenses by addressing the root cause—housing instability. Studies show that providing permanent housing decreases healthcare costs and the need for police involvement.
Finland converted temporary shelters into permanent housing units to give people a stable place to live. Greensboro can follow this model by repurposing existing shelters and vacant buildings. This minimizes the need for new construction and lowers initial costs while more effectively addressing homelessness.
Housing First emphasizes scattered-site housing, where individuals live in apartments throughout the community rather than centralized shelters. This reduces stigma and promotes stability. Greensboro could adopt this model by working with property owners and developers to integrate affordable housing into neighborhoods, helping individuals transition to self-sufficiency.
Finland’s success was driven by collaboration between government agencies, nonprofits, and private sector partners. Greensboro can leverage similar partnerships to share resources and expertise. Local nonprofits can provide support services such as counseling, job training, and healthcare referrals, reducing the city’s financial burden.
Finland heavily invested in affordable housing, recognizing it as a long-term cost-saving measure. Greensboro can pursue federal, state, and local funding and private grants to establish and maintain a Housing First program. The program would pay for itself over time by reducing dependence on emergency services.
If Greensboro adopts a Housing First approach, it could eliminate homelessness and save millions of dollars over the years. Reduced strain on healthcare systems, fewer law enforcement interventions, and decreased reliance on emergency shelters would all contribute to cost savings. Furthermore, Greensboro could position itself as a leader in homelessness reduction, inspiring other cities nationwide to follow its example.
By investing in housing-first solutions, Greensboro would demonstrate that solving homelessness is compassionate and fiscally responsible. Finland has shown that this approach works—and Greensboro has the opportunity to build on that success, creating a brighter future for its residents and becoming a model for cities everywhere.
Now is the time for Greensboro to act and lead the way toward a more stable and thriving community for all.
–Nicky Smith
Candidate for City Council District 4
