1930s

The 1930s were marked by a period of depression. The difficult period manifested itself in the board of the Soldiers’ Home Association in the lengthening of protocols and complication of matters. It was of paramount importance that the association had the right to use the procurement organization of the Finnish Defence Forces.

Towards the end of the decade, the economic situation began to improve. Then preparations for the Winter War began. The soldiers’ home associations equipped their own “mobile homes” and moved in the same direction where the troops in the home area were grouped. More and more men entered the service, so the soldiers’ homes in the barracks areas were also busy.

During the additional refresher exercises, as many as 300 temporary soldiers’ homes were in operation. In September 1939, the Soldiers’ Home Association comprised of 40 local soldiers’ home associations, 137 soldiers’ homes and about 4,000 members.

During the Winter War, the Soldiers’ Home Association did not yet manage the centralized placements of “mobile homes” people. However, it established an office in Vyborg to coordinate and organize the transportation of soldiers’ home sisters. Close cooperation was carried out with the military clergy in maintaining the attitude of the crew. Military chaplains also spread the word from their tours where new soldiers’ homes were needed.

In November 1939, the Soldiers’ Home Association published and distributed to the field army a booklet entitled “Greetings to the defenders of Finland”.