More people than in previous years turned to Sweden's city missions for help during Christmas 2025 due to rising poverty. The organization reports that over 17,000 children and 5,200 households received support, a significant increase compared to 2024. The number of people in economic vulnerability has nearly doubled since 2021, according to Statistics Sweden.
During Christmas 2025, Sweden's city missions saw a clear increase in demand for assistance. According to the organization's press release, over 17,000 children and 5,200 households in economic hardship received support in the form of Christmas gifts and food vouchers. This compares to 2024, when a total of 14,600 people, including adults and children, were helped.
The distribution amounted to around 40,000 Christmas gifts and vouchers, representing a doubling from the previous year. The background to the increased needs lies in a sharp rise in poverty in Sweden. According to Statistics Sweden (SCB), approximately 700,000 people live in economic and social vulnerability, a figure that has nearly doubled since 2021.
Jonas Rydberg, general secretary of Sweden's City Missions, expresses concern for the future: “Unfortunately, we believe that poverty in Sweden will continue to increase with the benefits reform that the parliament is expected to decide on this spring.”
The organization emphasizes the importance of continued support to meet the growing needs among vulnerable groups, particularly families with children. This trend reflects broader societal challenges related to economic inequality.
