What is Housing First?
An Introduction to HOUSING FIRST
- Mar 30Webinar| Systemic Change
WEBINAR: Creating system change through the adoption of Housing First principles and programs
Event time ( 00.00 Brussels (CEST) )
Register here - Apr 26
Hub Core and Associate Partners Event – Glasgow
Event time ( 09.00 – 17.00 )
What is Housing First?
In many traditional homeless services, people are first expected to demonstrate that they are ‘housing ready’ – meaning that they have to prove they are able to live independently or with only low levels of support – before they can access stable housing.
In Housing First, housing is the starting point rather than an end goal, supported by policies and practices that are designed to keep people in existing ordinary housing if they are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
As the name suggests, a Housing First service provides housing as soon as possible, without attaching conditions such as a requirement to abstain from drugs and alcohol. This means that people in Housing First programmes have a high degree of control over the support and treatment they receive, including whether or not to use different support services.
Core principles of Housing First
Housing is a human right
Choice and control for service users
Separation of housing and treatment
Recovery orientation
Harm reduction
Active engagement without coercion
Person-centred planning
Flexible support for as long as is required
Commitment to the core principles of Housing First
All partners who join the Hub are asked to confirm their commitment to the core principles of Housing First as described in the Housing First Europe Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
We already have a number of social services for homeless people, why do we need Housing First?
Is Housing First only for people with complex needs?
What is ‘Housing First for Youth’?
What are complex needs?
Why separate housing from treatment?
Why is stable housing so important?
What happens if the service user accepts housing but refuses treatment?
Are there any expectations of Housing First tenants?
Where does housing for Housing First come from?
Who covers the cost?
We don’t have enough housing available – how can this work in my community?
Housing First and Covid-19
Learn more
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