WHAT IS HOUSING FIRST FOR WOMEN

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Adapted from the evidence-based Housing First approach, Housing First for Women is a gender-responsive intervention that recognises the unique pathways into homelessness that women often face.

Its goal is to support women to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity, with a stable and affordable home as the foundation. It also seeks to prevent homelessness or help women exit it quickly by addressing needs such as safety from violence, trauma recovery, parenting, health and wellbeing, education, and employment. Housing First for Women offers immediate access to housing and wrap-around supports that are sensitive to gender and life circumstances. Like all Housing First programmes, it is not time-limited; it is more than providing housing — it creates a foundation for long-term stability and inclusion.

All Housing First services are grounded in the 8 Core Principles of Housing First. However, women often require adapted services, as their experiences of homelessness present specific challenges. Many have histories of violence, trauma, and abuse (both prior to and during homelessness) which make them especially vulnerable to exploitation. Women are also more likely to be part of hidden homeless, relying on informal arrangements such as staying with friends, relatives, or acquaintances. In addition, some women may be accompanied by children or wish to reunite with their children during their tenancy. For these reasons, Housing First for Women must provide an environment where women feel safe and supported. And, where relevant, where they can live together with their family.

Publications

Resources Spotlight

Webinars Housing First for Women

Community of Practice HF for Women

The Housing First Europe Hub is organising a regular Community of Practice meeting on the topic of Housing First for Women!

The goal of this Community of Practice is to share knowledge among front line workers, managers and other people involved or interested in the topic of Housing

First for Women around Europe and beyond to strengthen the skills and knowledge of everyone involved and also discuss important topics and questions among the participants.

If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Fritz, laura.fritz@feantsa.org

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Women often have a very different experience of homelessness from men, mainly because they represent a minority and a vulnerable group in the homeless population. Homelessness services such as shelters are often modelled around the needs of men, failing to address women’s diverse needs. Think for example of how difficult it is for homeless women to take care of themselves on the streets during their menstrual cycle. Women are also likely to be accompanied by or reunited with their children, so the Housing First service hosting them should provide an environment where the whole family can live together.

  • Women are very often victims or violence or abuse. They might be homeless because they are fleeing a violent partner, or because someone has taken the rent money from them. They may face further abuse on the streets, since they are a minority and a more vulnerable group than homeless men. Some may be accompanied by children, and therefore need a safe space to use as a base to get back on their feet. Housing First provides safe, affordable and independent housing as well as support services to help women gain back control over their lives.

  • Women joining a Housing First service might have complex and specific needs, e.g., mental health issues and addictions, exacerbated by their experience of GBV, exploitation, or abuse. As a consequence, these women might bring considerable baggage of trauma with them and they may struggle to feel engaged in support and to build trust with care workers. Pre-engagement work is especially important, as these women need to take the time to build relationships with (and gain trust of) the people around them. Patience, sensitivity to trauma and being non-judgmental of their life experiences is key to a successful relationship.

  • Women experience homelessness differently than men, mainly because of their different needs (they are more likely to be accompanied by children) and pathways into homelessness (GBV, domestic violence, abuse, etc.). A gendered approach to homelessness should be employed when housing women in a Housing First service. This might translate for example into training workers in domestic abuse and sexual violence support, or complex trauma-informed care. This would allow service workers to better relate to the women they assist, and help them build strong relationships based on trust.