The Housing First model is an evidence based approach to sustainably ending homelessness through housing provision and tailored support. It’s based on the idea that everyone has the right to a safe and stable home, no matter their previous housing history or current support needs.
The Housing First approach aims to provide stable housing for people experiencing homelessness, without making them meet strict conditions first.
Unlike traditional models, people don’t need to be ‘housing ready’ before they’re supported into a home of their own. This means people do not need to be employed, in recovery or receiving treatment in order to be offered help. It recognises that progress can't be made in people's lives without the foundation and base of a secure home. Stable housing is viewed as the vital foundation that gives people the security and space to build the lives they want.
Once someone is housed, support continues and is available for as long as is needed. A key part of this support is building a trusting relationship between the person and their support worker. Support workers help people navigate services and systems by connecting them with the right organisations. This includes helping people access health care, financial advice, training and employment services.
In England, the Housing First model is based around seven core principles. These principles help to ensure that the support offered is consistent, inclusive and effective.
Everyone deserves a safe, permanent place to call home. Housing is a basic need that we are all entitled to.
Help doesn’t stop after a set period of time. It continues for as long as you want it and it adapts to your changing circumstances. Long-term support helps people to keep their home and make lasting changes. This is one of the reasons why the Housing First approach leads to more sustainable results than other systems.
Your home and right to support are not dependent on your participation in services. You won’t lose your home if you stop engaging with support and your support worker will continue to provide help even if your tenancy ends.
You have the freedom to choose what support you receive, how you receive it and when. You will always have the final say and full control over your decisions.
Support workers build strong, trusting relationships that allow them to adapt the service to your needs, not the other way around. They take responsibility for staying engaged and flexible, recognising that people have often been let down by services that were too rigid or hard to reach. By taking a person-centred approach, they can make sure you get the support that works for you.
Support is led by your ambitions, not your problems. Your support worker will focus on what matters most to you and work with you to achieve your goals.
Your support team will provide advice on how you can reduce harm to yourself and make safer choices. But it’s your decision. They won’t judge you or stop your support if you choose not to follow their advice.
The Housing First model was first developed in the USA and it now operates in Canada, Australia and Europe. It has proven to be a highly successful approach to reducing homelessness.
In Finland, it’s helped to reduce all forms of homelessness by committing to an approach that sees provision of homes as the key to ending homelessness. This means homelessness is rare and if it does happen, it’s quickly and effectively resolved.
In the USA, cities that have embraced the Housing First philosophy have reported greater housing stability and improvements in both mental and physical health among participants. It has also helped to reduce hospital admissions and contact with the justice system, lowering public costs.
Through these programmes people across the world have been given the stability and support needed to successfully leave homelessness behind.
The Housing First initiative was first piloted in the UK in Greater Manchester, Liverpool City and in the West Midlands Combined Authority area. These early pilots showed promising results and helped to make a case for a wider roll out. In some areas, it was reported that over 80% of people housed through the programme remained in their home long-term.
There are now over 100 Housing First programmes providing support to people facing homelessness across the UK. But a wider roll out is needed to ensure everyone has access to these services.
Chris, a former Housing First resident explains the benefits of the programme: “Housing First appealed to me because they explained that they would accommodate me in a home and would help me manage this and my general wellbeing as well – without condition, led by me and for as long as I needed. Whether doing well or doing bad they would actively come to see me. They would not disappear until I felt ready.”
Support is delivered by local teams who understand the community and services are tailored to the specific needs of each individual. Within three months of receiving this support, Chris was in his own tenancy with the help of Housing First.
He says the support he received changed his life: “I can be open about who I am to Housing First and they do not judge me for my past. They have seen what I am capable of and given me the opportunity to build on that.”
We’re calling on the government to commit to a national rollout of the Housing First program. We’ve seen the positive impact it has already made to people facing homelessness in the UK, so let’s make this vital support available to everyone. Because we all deserve a secure place to call home.
You can show your support by joining our campaign to end homelessness for good. Whether that’s organising an event to raise awareness, emailing your MP, taking part in fundraising or donating, your actions will help us make sure no one is left behind.
If you’re facing homelessness, we’re here to help. Our Skylight centres can offer advice, housing support and other practical help. We will work with you to understand your situation and find a solution that works for you.