Housing First: Considering Components for Successful Resettlement of Homeless People with Multiple Needs

Abstract

'Housing First' programmes in the US involve the provision of mainstream scatter sited permanent housing at the initial stage of support for homeless individuals with multiple needs. This is in contrast to dominant approaches (in the US and Europe) that assert the need for successful progress towards treatment goals (usually whilst living in temporary congregate accommodation) prior to resettlement. Evaluations of Housing First indicate, however, that even those considered farthest from being housed can, with help, successfully maintain a mainstream tenancy of their own. It is asserted here that one locally based agency managing both the housing and assertively providing holistic non time-limited support packages may be important factors in the success rate of Housing First programmes. However, a caveat is added-to robustly assess the effectiveness of Housing First (and homelessness policy per se) requires continued consideration as to what 'success' refers to in the resettlement of formerly homeless people.