Even Employed Workers Face Growing Risk of Losing Their Homes

The piece argues that the threat of homelessness is spreading to employed individuals, as financial pressures mount for those with modest earnings or part-time work. Situations such as job loss, health problems, or marital breakdown can quickly turn home ownership into a liability, since general housing subsidies no longer apply to owned dwellings and basic social aid cannot be used for mortgage repayments. When property sales stall and income falls, housing costs can overwhelm budgets.

The article also notes that families with children, people carrying credit-record blemishes or rental debt, and low-paid workers are especially vulnerable, with recent 2024 reforms tightening the criteria for covering excessive local housing expenses. Service providers report that Kela now interprets reasonable housing costs very strictly, leaving many to choose between shelter, food, medication and other essentials.