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Charities call on associations to provide Housing First accommodation
A homelessness charity has called on social landlords to provide homes for Housing First programmes across the country.
Currently only 50% of Housing First projects have access to social housing, according to Homeless Link.
Homeless Link has this week published guidance for social landlords on the purpose of Housing First and how it can benefit landlords.
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Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, said: “Homeless Link is calling for registered social landlords to support the growth of Housing First and its positive outcomes for individuals, joining the increasing number already participating or considering their role.”
Housing First gives permanent housing to rough sleepers with complex support needs before tackling any problems they may have, such as addiction or mental health issues. Inside Housing’s Cathy at 50 campaign is calling for measures to support the expansion of this approach.
The charity said Housing First schemes are currently mainly found in cities with high levels of rough sleeping.
Housing First has received political backing from the main parties. The Conservatives have pledged to pilot Housing First and the Liberal Democrats said every council should have at least one Housing First programme.
Manchester housing providers have already committed to providing homes for a Housing First programme in the city and providers from across Greater Manchester are considering making the same commitment.
People who meet the Housing First criteria “rarely” meet the criteria for council housing, the charity said.
It said: “Despite their support needs, they may not be considered a priority under housing legislation. There may also be concerns that they could not maintain a tenancy, and so should start to address their problems before being offered one.
“In some cases, an individual may have had a social tenancy previously but lost it, and been deemed to have made themselves intentionally homeless.”
Homeless Link said Housing First can benefit social housing providers because Housing First workers who offer support to tenants can take on some of the management jobs landlords would normally carry out, and support workers can help tenants keep up to date with rent payments so arrears are less likely to build up.
HOUSING FIRST AND CATHY AT 50
Inside Housing’s Cathy at 50 campaign is calling on councils to explore Housing First as a default option for long-term rough sleepers and commission Housing First schemes. We are also asking housing associations to identify additional stock for Housing First schemes and the government to support five Housing First projects, collect evidence and distribute best practice.