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HOMELESS

Homelessness on the rise in Denmark

The number of homeless people in Denmark has increased by 23 percent since 2009, a report from the Danish National Centre for Social Research (SFI) has shown.

Homelessness on the rise in Denmark
The amount of people resorting to sleeping in places like Nørrebro's Folkets Park (pictured) is on the rise. Photo: Simon Skipper/Scanpix
Homelessness is an increasing problem in Denmark, a newly-released SFI study has shown. 
 
There are now an estimated 6,138 homeless people nationwide compared to 4,998 in 2009 – a 23 percent increase. 
 
The largest increase is found among those aged 25 to 29. Homelessness has increased 29 percent amongst the age group since just 2013. 
 
Nearly eight out of ten homeless people are men, while one fifth of all homeless are foreigners.
 
SFI reported that along with the increase in homelessness, there is also an increasing prevalence of mental health issues amongst those who live on the streets. 
 
“Homelessness is rarely the only problem; in fact four out of five are either mentally health or have dependency issues,” SFI wrote in a press release. 
 
SFI researcher Lars Benjaminsen said that the housing shortages in the nation’s largest cities are a contributing factor to homelessness. He added that it is vital to continue to provide support to the formerly homeless who are able to move in to their own residence. 
 
“We need to be better at using the support methods that we know work and give homeless residents the help they need,” Benjaminsen said. 
 

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