Early support helps prevent housing problems from escalating – EKOPIPO project and A-Kruunu report promising results from collaborative pilot
A collaborative pilot carried out in spring 2026 by A-Kruunu and the EKOPIPO project, a collaborative project of the City of Espoo and Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, showed that contacting residents at an early stage can help prevent housing-related challenges from escalating, support residents facing financial difficulties and promote stable housing. The aim of the pilot was to develop new practices for preventing rent arrears, the risk of eviction and other housing-related challenges.
The pilot was carried out from March to May 2026 by the EKOPIPO project in cooperation with A-Kruunu’s housing counselling and rent monitoring services. The work focused on contacting residents who had outstanding rent payments, payments that had been referred to debt collection or a possible need for support in accessing services. Residents were contacted by phone and text message.
During the pilot, a total of 36 contacts were made with A-Kruunu residents in Espoo. The discussions focused particularly on rent arrears, financial difficulties, sick leave, health problems and questions related to Kela benefits. Unclear debt collection processes also proved to be a significant concern for many residents.
Residents were offered advice on housing matters, information about debt collection processes, and guidance on drawing up payment plans and applying for the benefits they needed. At the same time, their need for service guidance was assessed.
The pilot also tested contacting new A-Kruunu residents. The experiences were very positive: residents experienced the contact as considerate and useful, and appreciated the opportunity to receive information about housing counselling and practical housing-related matters already at the beginning of their tenancy.
The results showed that contacting residents at an early stage can have tangible impacts. Several residents drew up a payment plan or paid outstanding debts after being contacted. In addition, awareness of debt collection processes increased and housing counselling became better known among residents. Based on the pilot, even a single contact can serve as a significant preventive support measure.
The conclusion of the pilot is that contacting residents at an early stage plays an important role in preventing housing problems. The development recommendations include continuing the early contact model, contacting new residents systematically, and strengthening cooperation between housing counselling, rent monitoring and other partners.
The collaborative pilot between the EKOPIPO project and A-Kruunu showed that personal contact, easy-access advice and timely support can effectively prevent housing-related challenges from worsening and create a strong foundation for the further development of this work.
Further information:
- Jenny Rusk, tel. +358 40 1269852
Head of service unit (financial support, office-hours on-duty services and support services), Adult social services, Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (deputising for Service line director Tapio Nieminen) - Anne Savolainen, tel. +358 40 3533582
Housing manager, City of Espoo - Crista Laine, tel. +358 20 7207105
Leasing manager, A-kruunu - Mirjami Tuomikoski, tel. +358 40 6466165
Senior social worker, Housing support services, EKOPIPO project, Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County - Päivi Jouttimäki, tel. +358 40 6369210
Project manager, EKOPIPO project, Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County