FUTURE OUTLOOK FOR HOUSING FIRST
What lies ahead for Housing First? As the approach continues to shape responses to homelessness across Europe and beyond, it is important to reflect on its achievements, explore the challenges ahead and consider how it can continue to evolve.
To open up this conversation, we invited partners and contributors from across different sectors to share their thoughts on the future of Housing First.
Bringing together diverse perspectives, these essays explore the opportunities, questions and ideas that may shape the next chapter of Housing First:
From its continued development and implementation to its role in wider efforts to end homelessness.
This collection offers a space to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and reflect on the future direction of Housing First. We hope these contributions will inspire further discussion and help advance the conversation on how to strengthen and sustain the approach in the years to come.
Explore the essays below and discover the different perspectives on the future of Housing First.
Essay Collection
Housing First as a Platform for Systems Change
Housing First can serve as a platform for wider systems change by shifting from fragmented services to a person-centred approach that prioritises homelessness prevention. The example of Fife, Scotland, shows how collaboration across housing, health, education and other sectors can address systemic barriers and better respond to people’s needs.
Transform Community Development Dundee
Dundee has made Housing First its primary approach to tackling homelessness, shifting resources from hostels towards permanent housing and flexible, intensive support. Strong collaboration across housing, health and community services has helped reduce tenancy failures, while new initiatives focus on homelessness prevention.
Dutch Housing Associations as Engine for Systems Change
Dutch housing associations are emerging as key drivers of systemic change by prioritising social housing for people experiencing homelessness,. Through different initiatives, housing associations, municipalities and support services are working together to prevent homelessness, transform systems and make Housing First the default approach.
The Rotterdam Approach: Taking Change Seriously
Rotterdam’s Housing First approach puts the individual’s needs and goals at the centre, providing housing as the starting point for rebuilding one’s life rather than something to earn. Through Wonen Eerst 010, professionals use action research to identify and address systemic barriers, helping organisations adapt their practices and create lasting change.