Since its launch in Lisbon in 2009, Housing First has been scaled across Portugal and is now a key component of the country’s strategy to address chronic homelessness.

The Housing First model was first implemented in Portugal in 2009 in Lisbon, designed to provide stable housing and intensive support services to people experiencing homelessness with complex mental health needs.

The success of these initial projects, combined with growing international recognition of the Housing First approach, led to its broader adoption throughout Portugal. The National Strategy for the Integration of Homeless People (2017-2023) formally recognised Housing First as an innovative and promising solution to homelessness, actively encouraging its implementation across the country.

As of 2024, 13 Housing First projects operate across 10 cities in Portugal. While the National Strategy provides institutional recognition and support to local implementation teams, long-term sustainability continues to depend on diverse public and private funding partnerships.

The Housing First Portugal National Network serves as an informal platform facilitating peer support, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange among teams implementing the model nationwide.