According to 2021 data, the number of homeless people in Tallinn has decreased. Kille Alterman, the head of the Tallinn Social Work Center, says that the number of street homeless is not increasing. According to the 2020 survey, there were 82 homeless people in Tallinn. Last year, there were 51.
Alterman says that the number of street homeless is decreasing. Over the past four years, the number of homeless has decreased. Many homeless people cannot cope with life. They need help due to addiction problems or mental disorders.
The center provides assistance to various people. This includes social and accommodation services. Some people stay at the center for a long time. They cannot live independently due to health problems.
Alterman says that homeless people live in stairwells, basements, and cars. Cooperation with the police and the city has reduced the number of abandoned buildings where homeless people used to spend the night.
The Social Work Center provides shelters and night shelters. Many homeless people visit the day center, where they can use shower rooms and other services.
However, there are people who do not want to accept help. They do not want to follow the rules, such as night shelter arrangements or alcohol bans.