Housing advisers help with housing-related challenges

Are you having trouble paying your rent? Do you need support to cope with everyday life? Housing advisers offer advice and guidance in various life situations to help you continue living in your own home as smoothly as possible.

The role of housing advisers is to support VAV residents so that they can continue to live in their own homes despite various challenges. For many, these challenges involve difficulties paying rent and the resulting threat of eviction.

“We don’t have ready-made solutions; instead, we work with the resident to find solutions that are appropriate for their situation,” explain VAV’s housing advisers Mervi Rytkönen and Noora Seinä.

“It’s best to get in touch with us as early as possible, as this gives us more options for action,” they emphasise.

Working together to find solutions to rent payment challenges

Once a tenant has got in touch, the housing adviser and the tenant explore the options together. If the rent arrears are small, there are more possibilities.

“Our primary aim is to draw up a payment plan together with the tenant. If it appears that they are currently unable to pay, we consider where help might be available to resolve the situation,” explains Mervi.

“The larger the debt, the more likely it is that sacrifices will have to be made in everyday life. It’s good to remember that it’s never too late to make a change, even if it requires more effort,” she continues.

If a resident has concerns other than financial ones, these issues are discussed and they are referred for further support.

“We often refer residents to social services. Comprehensive support is often more helpful than focusing solely on financial matters,” says Noora.

Support for other everyday housing concerns too

Residents who attend housing advice sessions may face other challenges in addition to financial ones. Housing advisers also work in situations where, for one reason or another, living arrangements do not comply with the rules and regulations.

“This could involve, for example, difficulties with maintaining the home or challenges arising from health issues that affect neighbours,” explains Noora.

“Loneliness, anxiety or other personal circumstances can affect a person’s living situation. We may not necessarily have a solution, but we can explore options together,” Mervi continues.

However, housing advisers do not act as mediators in disputes between residents. In such matters, help is available from, amongst others, the Centre for Peaceful Living.

There’s no shame in asking for help

Mervi and Noora emphasise that no one needs to feel ashamed or guilty about seeking help. Housing advice is available to all VAV residents.

“Many people apologise to us for getting into debt, even though in reality they themselves have suffered the most from the situation. There’s no need to apologise,” says Mervi.

Recognising the situation and accepting help are the first steps towards change.

“If your outgoings exceed your income, it is sometimes necessary to take a fresh look at your daily life. It’s not easy, but you don’t have to do it alone,” says Noora.

You can also get in touch with us if you’re not sure where to start. We’ll go through the options together or, if necessary, refer you to further support.
Housing adviser Mervi Rytkönen

What if you’re worried about a neighbour?

There are many different situations that might cause you to be concerned about a neighbour. Nowadays, it is possible to make a concern report to social services if you are genuinely concerned about another person’s well-being or ability to cope with everyday life. Anyone can make such a report.

“Social services are the right point of contact when a neighbour’s behaviour or well-being gives cause for concern. We cannot report concerns about a neighbour on their behalf; the neighbour must make the report themselves,” Noora points out.

VAV’s housing advice service has been running for almost 30 years

When it was first established, VAV’s housing advice service was a pioneer in Finland. VAV, now 40 years old, launched the service in 1998, almost 30 years ago. Initially, the service was part of the Havukoski-Koivukylä area’s urban regeneration project. During the start-up phase, the work was referred to as ‘social housing management’, but the name was soon changed to ‘housing advice’.

The current housing advisers, Mervi and Noora, have been working at VAV in their current roles for 15 years. They are social work professionals.

Their years of service have been filled with a wide range of experiences. What does a good working day look like for them?

“The best moments are when a resident’s life has got back on track. Then the joy of success on the client’s behalf is truly immense,” says Mervi.

Noora and Mervi encourage all VAV residents to feel free to get in touch whenever they need to.

The VAV Group’s 40th anniversary will be celebrated across our channels and in our activities throughout the year. Follow our communications!