Helsinki politicians debate issue of housing for Roma beggars

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The political dispute over housing for Roma beggars in Helsinki continues.
      On Monday the City Board left a proposal on the table for a second time. The paper, by a working group headed by Jarmo Räihä opposes the idea of providing housing for the itinerant Roma.
      The proposal to postpone debate on the matter was supported by the Greens and the Left Alliance.
      “We weren’t quite satisfied with the proposals. On the left we want the city to have some lighter temporary housing that the Roma could also use”, said Outi Ojala of the Left Alliance.
     
The Social Democrats voted to postpone a decision, but their ranks could split if there is a vote on the matter on Monday.
      “I would like to see what kind of a counterproposal is made. I am in favour of the original proposal. Any counterproposal would need to be clearly better”, said Arto Bryggare (SDP).
      Bryggare fears that demand for housing for the Roma might increase considerably if housing is provided.
      “It could be a question of thousands or tens of thousands of people needing housing.”
     
Social Democratic councillor Thomas Wallgren has drafted a proposal for housing in freight containers. If the proposal wins support among other Social Democrats on the council, it could be brought before the City board next week.
      “I propose that the city would offer, for a small fee, housing that is easy to assemble and easy to dismantle, which would have running water and electricity”, Wallgren says.
      The Greens might also put forward a proposal of their own. Previously the party has hinted at setting up a “low threshold camp” in Rastila in the east of Helsinki.
     
The situation at the Satama Social Centre, maintained by activists who allow Roma beggars to camp out in front, will remain on hold until the City Board makes a decision on how to deal with the beggar issue.
      The lease of the Vapaa katto (“Free Roof”) organisation expired last week. The Helsinki City Youth Department is currently discussing the possibility of finding alternate space for Satama.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  More Roma arriving in Helsinki from Bulgaria (13.5.2011)
  Helsinki seeks to cancel lease of social centre offering home to itinerant Roma (12.4.2011)
  Roma in Kalasatama expected to reside with other homeless (30.3.2011)

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