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Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Slight Decline in Swedish Homelessness, Kids Still at Risk

Published: 2024-02-01

Despite recent reports indicating a slight decrease in homelessness in Sweden, the situation remains dire, particularly for children.

According to the latest survey by the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), over 27,000 individuals lack a permanent residence, with more than 9,400 children affected by their parents' lack of housing.

While the overall number of homeless persons has decreased by approximately 2,700 since 2017, the decrease is not uniform across the country, with major cities still grappling with acute homelessness.

Efforts by local authorities, such as the 'Bostad f"orst' initiative in Sollentuna, have had some success in providing housing solutions.

However, the reduction in numbers may not fully capture the breadth of the issue, as reports from Sveriges Stadsmissioner highlight a growing concern over 'hidden homelessness', affecting individuals who do not meet the official criteria but still lack a secure living situation.