The new S target: Zero vision for homelessness in Stockholm

The trend has been a reduction in the number of homeless people in Stockholm. The city investigates the phenomenon every two years, and in 2022 around 2,500 people were estimated to be homeless. In the report from 2024, the number had dropped to just under 2,200. This year's figures have not yet been compiled, says the Social Democratic Social and Security Councilor Alexander Ojanne.

- We have some indications that the development is going in the right direction, he says.

At the beginning of October, it was clear that Stockholm will continue to have a red-green government consisting of the Social Democrats, the Green Party and the Left Party. When the parties are now to present their budget, it is clear that it contains an investment to further reduce homelessness.

- One of the things that will be included is intensified work on this issue. We will come up with a zero vision against homelessness in Stockholm. We think the time is getting ripe for that, says Alexander Ojanne.

DN has previously reported on the nursing home Gamlebo, located in Stureby in southern Stockholm. The target group is elderly people who have lived in homelessness and in many cases the residents have an underlying drug addiction. Both residents and staff have appreciated Gamlebo, which can accommodate around 30 residents - but significantly more than that want a place.

- Now we are spending nine million on the start-up of a new accommodation of the same type as Gamlebo, says Alexander Ojanne.

Annually, the operation is estimated to cost around SEK 5.5 million, and the accommodation will be a symbol of the future ambition to completely eliminate homelessness in Stockholm. Alexander Ojanne tells us that the work around the problem has involved studies of how homelessness has been tackled internationally. Among other things, he highlights Helsinki as focusing on "housing first" solutions instead of, for example, demands for drug freedom - and having great success with the concept.

When can you reduce homelessness to zero in Stockholm?

- We have to sit down and assess what is realistic. Does it take two or three terms? At least now we set this goal. If you only set aside the resources, we believe that it can actually be implemented, says Alexander Ojanne.