How are we helping to end homelessness?
Housing First is an approach to ending homelessness that prioritises access to a clean, safe and stable home first and foremost. Targeted, wraparound support is then offered alongside a permanent home to help individuals tackle the issues that have been holding them back and empower people who have experienced housing crisis to live independently.
This model particularly benefits individuals who’ve experienced repeat homelessness, and have multiple and complex needs, such as drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health issues. Intensive support isn’t compulsory and there are no conditions placed upon individuals, other than a willingness to try and sustain a tenancy – and the emphasis is on choice and control.
A recent Homeless Link study [pdf, 414KB] 
has shown those in Housing First have improved physical and mental health and reduced admissions to A&E and hospital, they engage with a GP and dentist and substance misuse is significantly lower. There is also a clear reduction in anti-social behaviour and offending, and more individuals engage in hobbies and interests.
We adopted the Housing First principle in 2018 and have since given 40 vulnerable people in housing crisis a place to call home.
Our Housing First model works on the basis that a long-term home is a stable platform from which to address other issues. But most importantly, the tenancy comes with comprehensive but not compulsory support. It’s not a condition of our housing to engage in treatment and we separate the two.
We work closely with skilled and experienced partner agencies who offer tailored support – and they encourage, not coerce, individuals to take positive steps towards recovery, offering flexible support for as long as it’s required.
We also give dignity, choice and control to individuals over the location and type of housing they live in. And they have access to the services SNG offer to every one of our residents - including tenancy and benefits support advice, our employment and skills service, and a dedicated locality officer.
As a member of Homes for Cathy and Homeless Link , SNG are committed to helping to end homelessness. Through our Housing First programme, to date we have:
- Built close relationships and worked successfully with eight local authorities and five support providers
- Placed 40 vulnerable people in a long-term home
- Transitioned three customers out of the Housing First service because they no longer need access to tailored support and are able to live independently.
Over the coming months, we will continue to grow our Housing First service and work with local authorities and support providers to offer long-term homes to the most vulnerable in our communities.