'Housing First': How Sweden's Gothenburg is reducing homelessness

Gothenburg, Sweden, has experienced a significant reduction in homelessness since implementing the Housing First model. Prior to this approach, around 3,000 people were homeless in 2026, with 411 classified as acutely homeless. Over the past decade, acute homelessness has decreased by approximately 60%, while overall homelessness has dropped by nearly 40%.

The Housing First initiative emphasizes providing permanent housing to individuals, regardless of their sobriety or mental health status. Once housed, residents receive assistance for issues like substance abuse and mental health. Borko Grujic, head of operations at Goteborgs Stadsmission, which manages the program, explained that a stable home serves as a foundation for addressing other life challenges.

Formerly homeless and addicted, Viking Weiner, now 56, credits the Housing First model with bringing stability and hope to his life. The approach also alters the relationship between housing and addiction, as relapses do not lead to eviction. Instead, the program maintains tenants' protections similar to conventional housing. Around 80-90% of individuals who receive apartments under this program continue to reside there.

The non-profit initially secures the lease, with many residents transitioning to full tenancy after about two years. Gothenburg's success has garnered national attention, with Sweden adopting a long-term homelessness strategy in 2022 that encourages municipalities to adopt the Housing First model. However, only 126 of the country's 290 municipalities applied for grants to implement the program.

Gothenburg's advantage lies in its extensive public housing stock, facilitating the provision of apartments for the initiative. As one of the longest-running examples of the Housing First model, Gothenburg has demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach in reducing homelessness.