Housing First and Social Integration: A Realistic Aim?

Abstract

Housing First is now dominating discussions about how best to respond to homelessness among people with high and complex needs throughout the EU and in several countries within the OECD. Whilst recognised internationally as an effective model in addressing homelessness, little attention has been given as to whether Housing First also assists previously homeless people become more socially integrated into their communities. This paper reviews the available research evidence (utilising a Rapid Evidence Assessment methodology) on the extent to which Housing First services are effective in promoting social integration. Existing evidence suggests Housing First is delivering varying results in respect of social integration, despite some evidence suggesting normalising effects of settled housing on ontological security. The paper argues that a lack of clarity around the mechanisms by which Housing First is designed to deliver 'social integration', coupled with poor measurement, helps explain the inconsistent and sometimes limited results for Housing First services in this area. It concludes that there is a need to look critically at the extent to which Housing First can deliver social integration, moving the debate beyond the successes in housing sustainment and identifying what is needed to enhance people's lives in the longer-term.

Goals and Principles of Providers Working with People Experiencing Homelessness: A Comparison Between Housing First and Traditional Staircase Services in Eight European Countries

“…Providers in both types of services sought to improve clients’ community integration. This result is in line with the literature because findings on the impact of services on community integration have been mixed and without clear differences between the two models [31]. However, in line with findings by Henwood, Shinn, Tsemberis, and Padgett [13], there were some differences between providers in HF and TS services in terms of their goals and principles.…”

Safe Spaces, Agency, and Connections to “Regular Stuff”: What Makes Permanent Supportive Housing Feel Like “Home”

“…In addition to community integration, housing that "felt like home" has been associated with increased housing stability and markers of recovery related ontological security. Ontological security, resulting from having "a settled home" (Quilgars & Pleace, 2016) is the development of a sense of well-being and positive view of self through continuity, routine, and control in one's environment (Giddens, 1991). Having a home is a constant, central place from which individuals can orient themselves and can become part of their sense of self (Ogden, 2014).…”

Commentary on Urbanoski et al. (2018): Housing First and addiction–exploring the evidence

“…There is evidence from North America and Europe that Housing First ends homelessness among people with high and complex needs at a high rate, often outperforming treatment‐led service models. However, while the achievements in reducing homelessness are clear, the effectiveness of Housing First with respect to recovery from addiction, mental illness or poor physical health, and in promoting social integration, is less certain . However, it is also the case that many Housing First services are still relatively new, i.e.…”