Subject: Philosophy and Principles of Housing First

Cara has worked with homeless families, single adults, and children across Focus Ireland’s various housing services in Focus Ireland for over 20 years. Now on the Practice Development team her role involves policy development and supporting the design of a psychological environment based on Housing First and trauma informed philosophies. Cara’s training methodology is based on Freire’s approach emphasising dialogue, critical thinking and social Justice. Cara delivers training on Housing First, trauma and addiction, harm reduction, self-care for staff. Cara has an MA in Social Justice & Public Policy and a Post Grad Cert in Trauma Studies. When not working Cara likes rock climbing and being outside. Cara is currently the lead trainer on the Housing First Europe Hub’s Train-the-Trainer programme.

I’m a lawyer who’s always wanted to use my legal background to serve the social sector and combat poverty. After gaining experience both in academia and in the NGO sector, I joined the Belgian Federal Administration for Social Integration as a Housing First coordinator. I'm thrilled to be part of this Train the Trainer programme and to be able to promote the Housing First model. I'm also eager to engage with a diverse European network, which I believe will enrich our collective efforts in ending homelessness.