Safety in Kurkimäki also grows through encounters

Residents’ fear in Helsinki’s Kurkimäki neighborhood is real, but police have found no evidence that reported disturbances are connected to Rinnekodit Silta, the leaders of the housing service write.

The Helsingin Sanomat article described thefts and syringes and needles found in the environment. Rinnekodit says Silta provides supported housing under the Housing First model for people who have experienced long-term homelessness. It opened in December 2022.

Rinnekodit says it has organized regular events in the area, including meetings held before Silta opened, and welcomes neighbors to attend. During the past summer, two neighbors contacted the organization directly about problems. Staff say they respond immediately, discuss issues with residents and assist police. Staff and residents also clean the surrounding area during the day, evening and night.

The organization argues that increasing security patrols would not provide a sustainable long-term answer. It says lasting safety requires action on the roots of homelessness and easier access to detoxification and rehabilitation for people with substance-use problems.

Rinnekodit says homelessness in Finland has increased for a second consecutive year, while substance-use problems, unrest and wider distress have also worsened. It is planning another neighborhood meeting in September and says the safety of Kurkimäki is a shared responsibility.