A national evaluation into the groundbreaking Housing First approach to tackling homelessness has been welcomed by the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region.
Three Housing First pilots were set up across the Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands after a successful feasibility scheme was carried out in Liverpool. Some of the benefits from the approach, as outlined in the five-year evaluation, including:
- Good value for money
- Improving health
- Reducing loneliness and ASB and crime involvement
- Reducing the likelihood of being a victim of crime
This support is offered to those experiencing the most severe and complex homelessness cases, as it helps them to access and maintain independent housing. This is done by providing them with a stable home alongside personalised support from a dedicated practitioner as they deal with mental and physical health issues such as addiction and the effects of trauma and abuse.
Also outlined in the five-year evaluation was the fact that there had been a positive shift in health and wellbeing, especially mental health, when compared to service users’ circumstances before the support.
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram commented:
“Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, yet too many people across our country have found themselves trapped in cycles of homelessness. Here in the Liverpool City Region, we’ve championed the Housing First approach from the very beginning, supporting more than 400 people to rebuild their lives with a secure home and the dedicated, wraparound support they need.
“The results speak for themselves: improved health and well-being, reduced anti-social behaviour, and better value for money for the public purse. But we can't stop here. To ensure this groundbreaking approach delivers its full potential, it’s essential that we secure continued funding and roll it out nationally. We owe it to those who need it most to keep pushing forward.”
The report has found that the pilots had been good value for money, with the cost of supporting a service user averaging at £7,700 per person, per year. Whilst the full effects of the programme could take years, the benefits to the public purse have been valued at £15,880 per person, per year. So far, more than 400 people have been supported in the Liverpool City Region with repeat and chronic homelessness, with more than half of them moving into their own homes.
Despite the majority of the study’s findings being positive, there were some challenges identified, including the limited supply of accommodation, and the uncertainty of long-term funding.
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