Homelessness in Estonia: ~1,100 People (2021)

According to the Estonian Red Cross and Ministry of Social Affairs, an estimated 1,100 people experienced homelessness in Estonia in 2021.

Demographics

• Gender: Majority men (~70–80%).
• Age: Primarily 25–44 years old.
• Trend: Slight increase in homeless women and children recently.
• Background: Low income, mental health issues, addiction, release from prison, family breakdown.

System Context

• Definition: Includes rough sleepers, shelter users, temporary accommodation, "hidden homeless" (couch surfing).
• Services: Shelters (Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Pärnu), day centers, social workers, Housing First pilots.
• Policy: Estonia focuses on prevention (debt counseling, tenancy support) and rapid rehousing.

Comparison

Rate: ~0.08% of population (1.3M) — lower than many EU peers (e.g., UK ~0.5%, France ~0.3%), but rising with housing costs.

Small absolute numbers allow targeted interventions — Estonia aims for functional zero.