Delivering Better Housing and Employment Outcomes for Offenders on Probation

The report ‘Delivering better housing and employment outcomes for offenders on probation’ presents the findings of qualitative research which included fieldwork in six probation areas with professionals involved in the delivery of housing, employment, training and education

Researching Homelessness in Europe : Theoretical Perspectives

This paper explores the theoretical developments in homelessness research and relates them to the European context. The paper asserts that European academics have relied too heavily on American research and evidence, and that there are dangers in using these ideas and data to interpret European homelessness. The increased emphasis on individual characteristics and actions in theoretical debates about homelessness is considered and the importance of new arguments that homeless people exercise controls over the nature of their homelessness is explored. Finally, the paper discusses how to take forward analysis of a social problem that has both individual and structural elements

Homelessness, bad housing, and the virus: a decent home should be every citizen’s right

Nicholas Pleace writes that the effect of the pandemic on homeless people should be seen as part of a wider problem – that of inadequate housing. He argues that if UK society is to be more resilient in the wake of this crisis, good housing should stop being seen as a privilege only the rich can afford

The Action Plan for Preventing Homelessness in Finland 2016-2019 : The Culmination of an Integrated Strategy to End Homelessness?

The integrated Finnish National Homelessness Strategy is often seen as the envy of the economically developed world. Challenges remain and progress is not always even, but Finland is approaching a point at which recurrent and long-term homelessness will be nearly eradicated and experi- ence of any form of homelessness will become uncommon. The 2016-2019 Action Plan for Preventing Homelessness in Finland is the third stage of the implementation of an integrated homelessness strategy, which began in 2008. After setting the Action Plan in context, this review provides a critical assess- ment of the Finnish preventative strategy and considers some of the potential lessons for other European countries

Using Housing First in Integrated Homelessness Strategies : A Review of the Evidence

This rapid evidence review shows that Housing First is highly effective in ending homelessness among people with high and complex needs, but it does not constitute an entire solution to single homelessness, or rough sleeping, in itself. The international evidence, including Finnish experience, shows that Housing First services need to be a part of an integrated homelessness strategy to be truly effective. Fully recognising the effectiveness and strengths of existing homelessness services, building strong preventative services, employing Housing First and exploring the possibilities around other innovations such as Critical Time Intervention, within an integrated homelessness strategy that rigorously monitors outcomes, is the best way to tackle homelessness

Delivering Better Housing and Employment Outcomes for Offenders on Probation

The report ‘Delivering better housing and employment outcomes for offenders on probation’ presents the findings of qualitative research which included fieldwork in six probation areas with professionals involved in the delivery of housing, employment, training and education

How Do We Measure Success in Homelessness Services? : Critically Assessing the Rise of the Homelessness Outcomes Star

The Homelessness Outcomes Star (HOS) is probably the most widespread form of outcome measurement employed by homelessness service providers. Developed in the UK, the HOS is now being used by homelessness services in other European countries and Australia, while being promoted internationally as a validated set of key performance indicators. This paper examines the ideological framework that underpins the HOS, as well as the theoretical and methodological approaches that inform its operation. The review concludes that while there is some utility in the measurement of relative progress for individual service users, the HOS has important limits, both as a means of comparative outcome analysis and as a validated measure of homelessness service outcomes

Housing First Guide Europe

Housing First is an innovative way of reducing homelessness among people with high support needs. Housing First was developed in the USA and is now being used in the UK, Europe and Canada. FEANTSA, with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and a panel of experts in Housing First, including Sam Tsemberis, have aimed to produce a practical, accessible guide to implementing Housing First. The guide describes the core principles of Housing First, the practicalities of operation and provides examples of Housing First services and programmes across the UK and Europe. The guide can also be accessed via the Housing First Europe Guide website, which provides videos, practical examples and further information http://housingfirstguide.eu

Crisis Skylight : Final Report of the University of York Evaluation

Crisis Skylight is an array of services focused on promoting social integration primarily for single homeless people, people at risk of homelessness and those with a recent history of homelessness.This research explored the outcomes for six Crisis Skylight services, in Birmingham, Edinburgh, London, Merseyside, Newcastle and Oxford over the period 2013-2015. Three of these services were building-based and three were outreach- based. The research employed a mixed- methods approach. This centred on a large scale qualitative longitudinal study that explored the experience of using Crisis Skylight from the perspectives of 158 homeless people. The research team also examined anonymised administrative data and conducted a range of other interviews and focus groups