In Malta, the Housing First approach is gaining traction as part of a broader strategy to address homelessness and housing affordability challenges. While Malta doesn’t have visible street homelessness like some other European countries, it faces issues of hidden homelessness and a growing number of households at risk. The Malta Housing Authority is actively involved in developing specialised housing projects and implementing reforms to improve housing accessibility and affordability. 

Specialised Housing Projects, one of the key initiatives of the Malta Housing Authority, mark a shift from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach towards a more targeted and inclusive model that addresses the needs of vulnerable groups within society and communities.

Each property was previously in an uninhabitable state, some of which date back to the pre-19th century. Through a design competition with Kamra tal-Periti, these properties have been designed, rehabilitated and renovated to serve a defined social mission. These projects were developed in collaboration with NGOs: Richmond Foundation, Mid-Dlam għad-Dawl Foundation, Salesians in Malta, Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM), and Malta Trust Foundation.

There are currently five specialised housing projects around the Maltese Islands: Dar il-Kantuniera, Intergenerational Project, Dar Bla Ħitan, Dar Tereża, and Dar il-Qawsalla.

The Housing Authority remains committed to expanding this approach, with two additional projects currently in development: Dar Mixtla and Dar Simon Soler.