Filenews 9 February 2026 - by Ioanna Kyriakou
Despite the growth recorded by the economic indicators of Cyprus and despite the position that the country presents the third largest reduction of public debt in the European Union, there is still a number of our fellow human beings who face unfavourable economic conditions and housing issues. After all, only two months have passed since the discovery of a dead homeless woman in Kato Paphos - a case that shocked the whole of Cyprus, as the woman died helpless, in the cold, outside an abandoned building on the coastal Poseidonos Avenue.
According to the data obtained by "F" from the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, currently about 40 people are facing temporary housing issues, with the biggest problem being located in the larger districts, mainly in Limassol and Nicosia. The majority of them are single middle-aged people, Europeans, third-country nationals and Cypriots. A significant number concerns psychiatric cases and substance addicts, while a smaller number concerns families with children.
These people are temporarily accommodated in hotels or other accommodation, with expenses covered by the Social Welfare Services (SWS), until their rehabilitation in a rented premises in the community is achieved. It is worth noting that the phenomenon of homelessness ranges nationwide at 200 to 250 people per year. Specifically, in 2024 the Social Welfare Services employed 225 people facing housing problems, in 2023 380 people and in 2022 206 people.
The procedure followed
Reports of the existence of a person and/or family with children seeking shelter usually come from the individuals themselves, from third parties, institutions, the Police and non-governmental organizations. After receiving the information, the Social Welfare Services deal with the incident and offer temporary accommodation in accommodation, financial assistance and psychosocial support.
In particular, competent SWS officers come into direct contact with individuals/families, providing immediate support and ensuring temporary accommodation in hotels or other accommodations, with expenses covered by SWS. They then proceed to investigate the socio-economic conditions and other factors that led the individual/family to the current situation and accordingly provide them with guidance to submit the relevant applications for any rights to cover their basic and special needs, including the rent allowance, in accordance with the provisions of the Guaranteed Minimum Income and the Social Benefits Law (GMI) of the Benefits Management Service Welfare (YDEP). In addition, emergency financial assistance may be provided based on Article 11 of the "GMI Law", in order to immediately cover basic and special needs (e.g. food, clothing, footwear, etc.), as well as referral to other Services (e.g. Mental Health Services for psychological evaluation and/or treatment where appropriate). Finally, in cooperation with other bodies (NGOs, local authorities) they provide all possible support to find a suitable place to stay according to the needs of each person.
Monitoring and Advisory Support
It is noted that the SWS also make arrangements for short stays and guidance to find permanent residence, since the wider housing policy of the state is the responsibility of the Ministry of the Interior. After the restoration of the individual or family in a usually rented premises, depending on the case and if it is deemed necessary, monitoring and counselling continues. Guidance is provided for submitting applications for benefits that the person may be entitled to, e.g. GMI, disabled.
People who are experiencing housing problems or may be on the street and need support can contact the Social Services Offices of Lakatamia (22608400), Latsia (22803500), Nicosia and Strovolos City Centre (22804605), Polemidia (25821895), Zakaki (25804514), Germasogeia (25811660), Kamares (24800207), Agioi Anargyroi (24821080), Paphos (26821600) and Famagusta (23811720).
What is happening in Europe
However, the data of the report of the European Federation of National Associations for the Homeless (Feantsa) published in 2025 are extremely worrying. In particular, it showed that more than 1.27 million people experience homelessness every night across Europe, with around 5% of the EU population experiencing homelessness in their lifetime. Germany records the highest number with 531,600 homeless people, although this number covers different types of homelessness, including people living with friends and family. France reports an increase of 20,000 to 350,000 amid housing shortages and rising rents.
In proportion to the population, the Czech Republic has the highest number of homeless people, with more than 230,000 people living in another type of housing or being homeless. According to the Feantsa report, data on homelessness is also increasing in several EU countries, mainly Finland, Denmark and Ireland.
