Promote Healthy Aging in Finland

The new day centre "Tuulensuojaa", which literally means wind shelter, is intended for people with addiction problems, homeless people or people in some kind of an emergency situation. It provides a safe environement and offers interpersonal support to people in need. The centre offers low-threshold help and assists people in satisfying their basic needs. Morning coffee and snacks are available at the windbreak every weekday. The doors open at 10 AM and most visitors arrive in the morning. After morning coffee, many take a nap in the quiet room or on the sofa in the lobby. Some get things done on a computer. The shower facilities and washing machines are also in daily use.

Most visitors need assistance with everyday matters and housing issues. For those who are homeless, the goal is to assist them in finding a home of their own. About 90 per cent of the visitors to the wind shelter are men between 30 and 65 years. There is also provision for minors and young adults in need.

Hannu is one of the regular visitors: "This place has helped me a lot. Now there is a place where I can come during the day and find peace. It's good to drink a coffee from time to time. The pool table in the lounge is really cool. I can take care of a lot of things here too."

Thanks to your support, the day centre “Tuulensuojaa” can be a place of peace, safety and security for people like Hannu. Here they receive immediate unbureaucratic support. One of the staff recounts: "Sometimes the most important thing is to make a sandwich for a visitor who hasn't eaten for several days. And sometimes presence is enough."

Thank you very much for everything you give!