Homelessness is a pervasive issue that affects cities globally, with varying approaches to managing it. In some countries, it is seen as a solvable problem, tackled through comprehensive policies and societal support systems, while in others, it remains largely ignored or misunderstood. Guyana, particularly its capital city Georgetown, grapples with visible homelessness. However, its approach to managing homelessness remains inadequate, with the homeless often viewed as social outcasts, commonly associated with drug addiction or criminal behaviour.
This is in stark contrast to countries like Finland, which have developed innovative, compassionate approaches that have led to significant reductions in homelessness. Finland’s “Housing First” model has been widely recognized as a success, while Guyana’s management of homelessness remains fragmented and relies heavily on temporary solutions. To address homelessness more effectively, Guyana needs a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and government policies—one that views the homeless as individuals who deserve opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration, rather than as undeserving “junkies.”
Globally, several countries have adopted models to address homelessness that Guyana could learn from. For example, Canada has implemented a similar Housing First approach, focusing on providing immediate, permanent housing to homeless individuals, with supportive services offered once they are housed. The United States, despite facing its own challenges, has seen success in cities like Salt Lake City, Utah, which adopted a Housing First model and has reduced chronic homelessness significantly. Even countries with fewer resources, like Portugal, have embraced harm reduction and supportive housing initiatives to combat homelessness.
Given these examples, it’s clear that homelessness is not an inevitable or unsolvable problem. While different countries have tailored their approaches based on their unique circumstances, the common thread is the recognition that homelessness requires systemic, compassionate solutions—not temporary fixes. Finland’s model, in particular, offers valuable lessons for Guyana.
In Guyana, homelessness is most visible in urban centres like Georgetown, where individuals living on the streets or in makeshift shelters are often dismissed as “troublemakers” or “junkies.” These terms reflect the deep stigma surrounding homelessness, which is seen as an individual failing—resulting from poor choices, laziness, or addiction—rather than a complex social issue influenced by poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, and unemployment. The widespread belief that the homeless are beyond help leaves them with little chance to reintegrate into society.
While some efforts exist to assist homeless individuals, they are limited in scope and effectiveness. Programmes like Street newspapers, which offer homeless individuals the chance to earn an income, provide a welcome exception, helping to restore dignity and self-reliance. However, such efforts are not part of a cohesive, long-term strategy, and there is a lack of permanent housing or comprehensive social services to help individuals rebuild their lives.
In contrast, Finland has pioneered a radically different approach, treating homelessness as a systemic issue requiring systemic solutions. Finland’s Housing First model, introduced in the early 2000s, provides homeless individuals immediate access to permanent housing, without preconditions such as sobriety or treatment for mental illness. The philosophy behind this model is that people need a stable, secure place to live in order to address other challenges in their lives. Once housed, individuals can access support, including addiction counseling, mental health services, job training, and social integration programmes.
The results of Finland’s Housing First initiative have been remarkable. In 2008, there were an estimated 18,000 homeless individuals in Finland. By 2022, this number had dropped to fewer than 4,000, thanks to the country’s commitment to permanent housing and supportive services. This drastic reduction is a testament to the success of Housing First, which treats housing as a human right and views homelessness as a societal issue rather than an individual failure. Finland’s approach acknowledges that homelessness is often caused by poverty, unemployment, addiction, and mental health disorders, and provides the resources necessary to help individuals address these challenges once housed.
The Finnish model has not only reduced homelessness but also increased social inclusion. By treating the homeless with dignity and offering them the support they need to rebuild their lives, Finland has changed the public narrative around homelessness. Homeless individuals are no longer seen as burdens, but as people who can—and should—be given the tools to succeed.
So, how can Guyana learn from Finland’s success and other global models? First, a fundamental shift in mindset is essential. Guyanese society must move away from the harmful stereotype that homelessness is caused solely by personal failings like addiction or laziness. While substance abuse and mental illness are significant factors, they are often symptoms of deeper societal issues, such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate social services. Until this understanding becomes widespread, Guyana will continue to struggle with a fragmented approach to homelessness, one focused on pushing homeless people out of sight rather than providing them meaningful opportunities to improve their lives.
The public must recognize that homelessness is a multifaceted problem requiring a multifaceted solution. Like Finland, Canada, and the United States, Guyana should start by offering permanent housing to the homeless—not as a privilege, but as a basic human right. Once individuals have a stable home, they can address other challenges such as job training, mental health care, addiction treatment, and social reintegration.
The government has a crucial role to play in these efforts. While some initiatives exist, they are often underfunded or not scaled to meet the full scope of the problem. A more sustained commitment from the government is necessary, along with exploring public-private partnerships to create more affordable housing and employment opportunities for homeless individuals.
Finally, a nationwide public education campaign is essential to change the way the homeless are viewed. Stigmatizing them only worsens their situation and makes it harder for them to reintegrate into society. By shifting the focus from blame to understanding, Guyanese society can begin to see homelessness not as a personal failure, but as a societal issue that requires collective action.
