The number of people seeking help from the church has increased since the government made cuts to social services earlier this year.
According to church statistics, Evangelical Lutheran congregations across Finland have granted a third more in financial assistance in the first half of this year than in the first half of last year.
By the end of May, churches had offered almost 3.5 million euros in aid, compared to 2.6 million euros during the same period last year.
Additionally, congregations are also providing more food aid.
Virpi Kylmälahti, the head deacon at the Hämeenlinna-Vanaja congregation, has noticed that the need for help has increased, especially among young people.
"Young adults now need support and help in their life circumstances," Kylmälahti said.
Living on benefits has become more difficult
Generally, people come to the church when they have no other option and their social security benefits are not enough to live on.
Church aid is usually small, for example, a few dozen euros to pay for groceries. Young people who apply may not have found a place to study or a job.
"Other life crises or sudden illnesses may also be the reason why a person is in need of support and assistance," Kylmälahti told Yle.
According to Kylmälahti, it is now even more difficult to cope financially, especially if you have to rely on social assistance.
"There is less money left for food, medicine or clothes. People now clearly have less money to live on," Kylmälahti said.
Kylmälahti noted that besides young people, those with burdensome debts have also run into financial problems due to the cuts to social services and seek help from the church.
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