Mapping the needs of people who fled the war in Ukraine and now reside in Finland
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
Next Event: Online Presentation on March 27 We will also host an English-language online event on March 27, where we will present key findings and discuss them with professionals and stakeholders.
📌 Register here: Event link 📖 Download the report in Finnish: https://www.houseofhelsinki.fi/fi/mapping-needs📖 Download the report in English: https://www.houseofhelsinki.fi/mapping-needs
On March 17, 2025, House of Helsinki conducted the first presentation of the mapping results on the needs of people who fled the war in Ukraine and now live in Finland. The event gathered over 50 professionals from various sectors. During the event, key findings from an extensive survey, interviews, and data analysis were presented, shedding light on the experiences, challenges, and needs of those displaced by the war.
The event provided a crucial opportunity for experts and authorities to discuss the research results and their significance. The atmosphere was open and interactive – attendees asked questions and highlighted key issues covered in the report.
“This report is a testament to their resilience. Through extensive surveys, interviews, and data analysis, it paints a detailed and deeply human picture of what it means to start anew in Finland after fleeing war. It highlights the successes, the struggles, and, most importantly, the areas where we, as a society, must do more to ensure that support systems are responsive, inclusive, and effective.”
-Brix Ziemann, Chairperson of House of Helsinki
The mapping was based on extensive data collected through various methods:
Survey conducted in Ukrainian and Russian, distributed between July and September 2024, which received 686 responses.
Interviews with 14 participants conducted both online and in person across five group sessions.
Analysis of assistance requests received by the REFUFIN project in 2024 – a total of 1,623 requests, both online and offline. While the presentation focused on sharing the most crucial findings, the report itself provides an in-depth analysis of multiple themes, including:
Experience of Living in a Reception Centre
Experience of Public Services
Housing Experiences in Finland
Employment and Education
Experience with Integration Courses
Social Life
Health and Well-Being in Finland
Mental Health
Main Concerns Among Respondents
The Experts Behind the Mapping Work
This research was made possible by an expert team consisting of professionals from various organisations:
Anzhelika Butenko, Katto-toiminta Moniheli Ry
Ekaterina Nironen, University of Helsinki
Julia Persidskaia, House of Helsinki Ry
Maria Stenar, Uusimaa ELY Center
Petra Pulli, City of Vantaa
Tanja Fomina, Fenix Finland Ry
Terhi Aaltonen, Kotimajoituksen tuki Ry
This mapping offers a critical opportunity to transform lessons learned into lasting improvements—not just to refine immediate responses, but to build more resilient and effective crisis response frameworks for the future. Successful models should be further expanded and institutionalised. At the same time, persistent gaps demand urgent attention and long-term solutions.
Together, we can build better solutions for those in need of support in Finland.
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