Distribution of housing packages to begin in Tuusula in the summer
Tuusula Municipality's housing advisory service has developed a new practical way to help young people in challenging life situations. Modelled on the maternity package, the housing package helps young people get started with independent living. The packages will be distributed to young people during the summer.
The housing package for young people under the age of 30 in Tuusula who are facing challenging life situations contains useful items for starting independent living. The package contains everyday items that young people would otherwise have to purchase themselves.
The package includes, for example, utensils for preparing and eating food. Home-cooked food is significantly cheaper than ready meals, and the items in the package enable food to be prepared. Food is one of the cornerstones of well-being.
The housing package also includes a set of bedding, which is intended to provide opportunities for proper rest and recovery. In addition, cleaning equipment for home maintenance and a fire blanket for fire safety are included.
Well-being at home is an important consideration when putting together housing packages. Tuusula Housing Advice procures housing package supplies in a range of colours, and the packages are assembled according to colour group. Where possible, young people can choose their preferred colour scheme for their housing package.
Based on the assessment of a housing advisor
The housing package is granted during a meeting with a housing counsellor, during which the young person has the opportunity to receive guidance and advice on housing and financial skills. The package can be granted if the young person is not in employment or education. The package can also be granted on the basis of other financial challenges or a difficult social situation.
In addition to basic housing supplies, young people have the opportunity to obtain a Kaikukortti card, which is designed to enable them to enjoy culture and the arts even in difficult financial circumstances. The Kaikukortti card can be used to obtain free tickets to concerts, festivals, dance performances or the theatre, for example.
Access to cultural events promotes inclusion and overall well-being. This can reduce feelings of loneliness and significantly increase well-being. Young people also receive a free pass to the swimming pool with their housing package.
A new and cost-effective way to help
The Housing Package is a unique project. Social investment in the prevention of marginalisation is not only humane but also a highly cost-effective way of addressing the challenges faced by young people before they become prolonged and escalate.
The package is a concrete and practical way to support young people in difficult life situations as they become independent. The products included in the package promote well-being and safety, which encourages social participation. Such concrete forms of support when working with young people are extremely important today, when poverty is on the rise and the resourcing of public services is challenging.
Many young people struggle to cover all the costs of independent living. Rent, food, bills and daily expenses often take up their entire budget, making it difficult or impossible to make purchases related to becoming independent. A lack of basic necessities significantly impairs everyday life and well-being at home.
Comprehensive services for young people in Tuusula
Becoming independent is a significant stage in every young person’s life, which also brings with it many challenges, especially for young people who have difficulties managing their lives. It is important to support these young people so that they can start their independent lives as smoothly and safely as possible. In Tuusula, help is available for young people who need support in practical matters or even just someone to walk alongside them as they navigate this challenging stage of life.
Housing counselling for young people involves, for example, helping them find their first home and plan and prepare for independence, resolving rent arrears and financial difficulties, considering uncertainty and future prospects, and providing service guidance to cooperation networks in order to obtain timely and adequate assistance.
If necessary, housing counselling can refer young people to the necessary services, such as outreach youth work or Ohjaamo services.
Further information: Housing Advisor Eeva Leppiaho, eeva.leppiaho@tuusula.fi, +358 40 314 2241
This content has been translated using AI