What does it mean?
Homelessness in Sweden encompasses approximately 33,000 people according to the National Board of Health and Welfare's latest survey, of whom one-third are women and about 20% have children. The definition includes not only rough sleepers but also those in emergency shelters, hostels, supported housing, or who lack their own contract and stay temporarily with acquaintances. Structural homelessness — caused by housing shortage rather than individual problems — has increased significantly.
The causes of homelessness are complex and intertwined. The housing shortage is the decisive structural factor, but mental illness, substance abuse, debt, and poverty are common individual risk factors. Municipalities bear the ultimate responsibility for guaranteeing shelter, but solutions vary widely. The Housing First model, where homeless individuals are offered their own contract as a first step, has shown good results in Swedish pilot municipalities. Despite this, many municipalities lack a strategy for combating homelessness systematically.
Key Points
- Approximately 33,000 people are estimated to be homeless in Sweden
- Includes rough sleepers, emergency shelters, hostels, and people without their own contract
- Structural homelessness (housing shortage) has increased — not just individual causes
- Municipalities bear the ultimate responsibility but solutions vary
- Housing First model shows good results — own contract as the first step
Practical Tip
If you are at risk of homelessness, contact the municipal social services immediately — they have a duty to help with emergency housing solutions. Voluntary organisations like Stadsmissionen and the Salvation Army offer support. If you have been given notice, contact the Rent Tribunal before leaving the apartment.
Legal Basis: Social Services Act Ch. 4, § 1 (municipality's ultimate responsibility)