Growing Need for Diaconal Assistance in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area – Christmas Appeal Supports Low-Income Residents

The deteriorating situation is driven by unemployment, rising living costs, and cuts to social security benefits. A survey conducted among diaconal services received responses from 32 parishes in the capital region, all of which reported an influx of new clients seeking assistance. In Helsinki, for example, the number of clients in the diaconal services increased by six percent between January and September 2026 compared with the same period last year. In Vantaa, the number of diaconal grants awarded during the same period was one-third higher than a year earlier. 

The proportion of unemployed people, young adults, and single-parent families among clients has increased. Growing hardship is also evident among international students and other immigrants. 

Financial Distress Increasing Among the Employed

People receiving diaconal assistance have traditionally been outside the workforce, but financial distress is now increasingly affecting those who are employed as well. 

“Having a job does not necessarily guarantee financial stability when food and other essentials have become more expensive. As difficult situations continue, feelings of hopelessness grow,” says Sonja Holkerinoja, Youth Deacon at the Finnish Lutheran Parish of Kauniainen. 

Financial assistance provided through diaconal services is considered a support measure of last resort. In other words, eligibility for public benefits is always reviewed first. 

Poverty Leads to Isolation 

Iisa Iso-Markku, Diaconal Worker at Oulunkylä Evangelical Lutheran Parish, highlights the difficulties faced by low-income families with children. 

“Many families cannot afford necessary purchases, hobbies, or even celebrating birthdays. They have to rely on food distributions and diaconal assistance for food support. More and more people are struggling with rent arrears. Financial hardship also leads to loneliness, as participating in social activities and simply getting around becomes difficult without money.” 

Inequality is beginning at an increasingly younger age. 

“If parents are unable to support, for example, an 18-year-old upper secondary school student, it was previously possible for the young person to receive social assistance. Today, the student is often required to take out a student loan, resulting in debt already at the beginning of independent adulthood,” says Karoliina Leikkari, Deacon at Vantaankoski Evangelical Lutheran Parish. 

A Gift for Your Neighbour campaign offers parishioners a trusted way to show care and compassion by supporting people in financial need in their own local community. 

“It is heartwarming to see the joy of those giving and the gratitude of those receiving as we share the spirit of Christmas,” says Anna Handroo, a diaconal worker at Tapiola Evangelical Lutheran Parish. 

“What is difficult is that, despite their best efforts, many people are unable to find employment or are otherwise unable to improve their financial situation. They have already cut back on everything they possibly can. When services provided by organisations, such as opportunities for personal support and rehabilitative activities, are also reduced, people can be left alone and without the support networks they need,” Handroo continues. 

A Gift for Your Neighbour is a Christmas appeal organised by the Evangelical Lutheran Parishes of Espoo, Helsinki, Kauniainen and Vantaa.  The appeal offers an easy way to support nearby families and people living alone and collects physical gift cards, preferably from major grocery store chains. Donors may choose the gift card amount themselves. There are dozens of collection points across the Helsinki metropolitan area, and their locations can be found at lahjalahimmaiselle.fi. Until 2024, the parish appeal was known as Build a Christmas Tree. 

Diaconal services ensure that donations are delivered reliably and in full to those in need. Diaconal workers interview applicants and assess their circumstances. Experience from previous years shows that a gift card from an anonymous donor has made Christmas possible for many people. Last Christmas, more than 4,000 residents of the capital region received Christmas joy through the appeal. 

Further Information and Interview Requests 

Espoo 

Lilli Snellman, Diaconal Services Specialist, Espoo Parish Union, phone number:  040 531 1006, lilli.snellman@evl.fi 

Helsinki 

Iisa Iso-Markku,  Diaconal Worker, Oulunkylä Parish, phone number: 050 449 1668, iisa.iso-markku@evl.fi 

Kauniainen 

Sonja Holkerinoja, Youth Deacon, Finnish Parish of Kauniainen, phone number: 050 464 7001, sonja.holkerinoja@evl.fi 

Vantaa 

Karoliina Leikkari, Diaconal Worker, Vantaankoski Parish, phone number: 050 357 7736, karoliina.leikkari@evl.fi