In Russia, homelessness touches a sizable portion of the population, a reality highlighted by a recent study commissioned by the non-governmental organization Nochlezhka. The findings show that roughly one in five residents has experienced homelessness at some point, a statistic that underscores the persistent gaps in housing security and social support for many households. The study offers a window into how housing instability emerges and migrates through people’s lives, revealing patterns that go beyond a single crisis and point to broader structural issues in urban and regional housing markets across the country.
According to the research, about 20% of respondents spent extended periods away from their own homes. They stayed with friends, checked into hostels or hotels, or relied on other institutions for shelter during times when a stable residence was not possible for reasons unrelated to employment. An additional 10% reported spending nights in corridors or other non-residential spaces on the street for multiple days, a stark reminder of the vulnerability that can accompany sudden income loss, family breakups, or other unforeseen hardships. Meanwhile, 11% said they lived with relatives or friends temporarily when they had nowhere else to go. Another 15% described living conditions that were dilapidated or deteriorating over the past two to three years, illustrating a creeping decline in housing quality alongside the threat of losing a secure place to call home. The data collectively paint a portrait of precarious living arrangements that can tilt into long-term housing instability unless targeted supports intersect with affordable options and social services.
Financial strain also emerges as a central thread in the report. One third of respondents acknowledged experiencing substantial difficulty in paying housing costs or utility bills in recent years, highlighting the squeeze that even standard living expenses place on households and the associated risk of falling into arrears, eviction, or unsafe living environments. A related concern is that a notable share of participants stated they did not hold property rights or formal ownership in any housing, which can limit access to mortgage options, legal protections, and pathways to stable tenure. Repeated exposure to such pressures compounds stress and can limit the ability to plan for the future, invest in repairs, or build savings that could cushion future shocks. In discussing these patterns, Nochlezhka’s Moscow branch director Daria Baibakova emphasized that a difficult period without a home can strike anyone, regardless of background, and that timely support is crucial to prevent such episodes from becoming chronic. Her remarks reflect a broader societal imperative to strengthen affordable housing programs, expand social assistance, and ensure that frontline services can reach those most at risk before housing loss becomes a permanent condition. The study thus serves as a call to action for policymakers, service providers, and community organizations to coordinate more effectively and to elevate the visibility of housing insecurity as a sustained public concern rather than a transient issue. It also highlights the resilience of many individuals who navigate housing instability with perseverance, often relying on informal networks and community resources while seeking lasting solutions that restore stability and dignity to their lives.