Crisis of Homeless Children in Sweden: Nearly 10,000 Affected
A report reveals nearly 10,000 children are homeless in Sweden, prompting urgent calls for housing policy reforms.
Key Points
- • Nearly 10,000 children are homeless in Sweden according to Sweden's Stadsmissioner.
- • The actual number may be higher due to underreporting.
- • Jonas Rydberg calls for significant national reforms to address the crisis.
- • Current housing policies fail to support low-income families effectively.
A recent report reveals a shocking crisis in Sweden, with nearly 10,000 children currently experiencing homelessness, a number likely underreported. The Swedish Stadsmissioner highlights that the real figure may be even higher, as many families avoid official channels to escape eviction or lack access to stable housing conditions.
Jonas Rydberg, the general secretary of Sweden's Stadsmissioner, advocates for urgent national reforms in housing policy, decrying the failure of current strategies to meet the evolving needs of modern families. "The Swedish model has collapsed, and we must face a reality where the housing system is not supporting low-income families effectively," he stated. According to a 2024 survey by Socialstyrelsen, approximately 9,400 children are classified as homeless based on official definitions, which include various living arrangements but may miss many cases due to non-disclosure.
The crux of the crisis lies in the inadequacy of Sweden's housing policy, which has not adapted to current financial realities faced by families. Rydberg points out that many single-parent households are particularly vulnerable, struggling with the affordability of long-term rental options. The decline in housing benefit availability and the insufficient construction of affordable units exacerbate this situation.
While the government has initiated a strategy to tackle homelessness, Rydberg argues that these measures are limited and lack a coordinated approach across political spectrums. He urges for more comprehensive solutions, such as increased rental subsidies and a commitment to building affordable housing to combat the systemic failures evident in the Swedish housing market.
“Without immediate and effective interventions, we risk seeing these numbers continue to rise,” Rydberg warned, stressing the critical need for action to protect vulnerable children and families throughout Sweden.