Cyprus has one of the lowest rates of poverty in Europe. However, many people still experience homelessness on the island. Social Welfare Services help hundreds of people and families each year. They need a place to live urgently.
A sad event in Paphos recently showed how vulnerable some people are. A woman died on a road. The police are investigating this incident. Authorities know that homelessness is a problem they must deal with.
They estimate that between 200 and 250 people are homeless in Cyprus every year. These people come from Cyprus, other EU countries, and other places. Asylum seekers are not included in these numbers. The government wants to help people quickly. This stops homelessness from getting worse.
People get help from the police or the public. Social workers then help these individuals. They can arrange temporary accommodation, like in hotels. Financial aid is also given. Caseworkers also try to find the reasons for homelessness. This could be stress or money problems. The goal is to move people from temporary shelters to permanent homes.
Compared to other EU countries, Cyprus is doing well. Only a small percentage of people experience severe poverty. This is much lower than the EU average. However, this good news does not help the individuals who are homeless.
To solve this problem, social services and housing policies must work together. The current system is good at helping people in emergencies. But more affordable housing is needed for the long term. The number of people needing help stays about the same each year. This means homelessness is a challenge that needs continuous solutions.