German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier Learned About Finnish Homelessness Work 7.5.2026News Y-Säätiö presented Finnish homelessness work and the Housing First model to German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier as part of the visit to Finland hosted by President Alexander Stubb. During the visit, the delegation toured the Salvation Army housing unit on Alppikatu in Helsinki and discussed reducing homelessness as part of comprehensive societal security. teinmeier visited Finland together with his spouse Elke Büdenbender on a working visit focused on security, comprehensive security, and cooperation between Finland and Germany. As part of the visit, the Federal President also became acquainted with Y-Säätiö’s work to reduce homelessness in Finland. Representing Y-Säätiö during the visit were CEO Teija Ojankoski and Head of International Affairs Juha Kahila. During the visit, the delegation toured the Salvation Army housing unit on Alppikatu, where practical work to secure housing and reduce homelessness was presented. Discussions highlighted the Finnish Housing First model and cooperation between the state, cities, NGOs, and service providers. The work carried out in Finland over decades to reduce homelessness has attracted broad international interest. Discussions during the visit also focused on how ensuring permanent housing and timely support are key factors in reducing long-term homelessness and strengthening stability in people’s everyday lives. The visit emphasized that reducing homelessness is not only social policy, but also a central part of building a sustainable, secure, and equal society. Y-Säätiö thanks Federal President Steinmeier and Mrs. Büdenbender for the visit and for the opportunity to present the experiences and results of Finnish homelessness work in an international discussion.