Norway is on a mission to reach zero homelessness and it’s making real progress. The country proves that homelessness reduction is possible and sustainable. The Norwegian Housing First policy is based on research, coordination and a social approach to the problem. Here is all you need to know about the Norwegian recipe to eliminate homelessness.

Homelessness in Norway

Norway defines homeless people quite broadly. It widens the group to include people without permanent accommodation under many circumstances beyond simply living on the streets. This includes individuals who do not own or rent a home, those temporarily staying with friends or family and people about to be released from a facility or institution within the next two months who have nowhere to stay or go.

In 2020, 3,325 people were homeless in Norway, representing 0.06% of the country’s population. This is one of the lowest homelessness rates in Europe and nearly a 50% reduction compared to 1996. This result is a phenomenon on an international scale, matched only by Finland.

Norway and its fellow Scandinavian neighbors are pioneers of the Housing First approach. However, comparisons are challenging, as there is no generally accepted definition of homelessness and statistical methodologies differ between countries.

Plan, Divide and Conquer

In Norway, housing policies and homelessness reduction programs are a shared responsibility of the central and local governments, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The state provides the legal framework and financial resources, while municipalities and NGOs implement the policies. Social and health services also play a key role in supporting people experiencing homelessness.

Such cooperation is crucial in addressing homelessness, as individuals affected by it often face complex challenges in multiple areas of their lives. The first homelessness survey in Norway was conducted in 1996. Since then, the country has implemented five projects aimed at eliminating homelessness.

The latest program, the National Strategy for Social Housing Policies (2021–2024), titled “Everyone Needs a Safe Home,” also incorporates the Housing First approach. The government focused on two groups that are especially disadvantaged in the current housing market: children and young people and people with disabilities.

Provide Housing First

The philosophy behind Housing First is simple: a safe and stable place to call home is the foundation for everything else. Indeed, once housing is secured, pursuing employment or addressing substance use becomes much more manageable.

Beneficiaries of the policy only need to be experiencing a housing crisis to receive support—there are no additional requirements. Participation in other programs is voluntary. The initiative recognizes housing as one of the four pillars of well-being, alongside health, education and work.

This is a significant difference in Norway’s approach compared to other solutions. Every action, plan and program is designed to provide a solid foundation to build. Like a house, a person needs a stable base to grow and become self-reliant.

– Patrycja Pietrzak

Patrycja is based in Cyprus and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash