Autonomy and authority: Homeless service users' empowering experiences in housing first and staircase services

Abstract

AbstractAlthough Housing First (HF) has gained widespread support as a service model to end homelessness, staircase services (SS) continue to proliferate. Critics have argued that SS contribute to institutionalisation and neglect the structural causes of homelessness. However, HF employs an empowerment‐orientated approach which can reduce institutionalisation and enable service users to achieve their potential. In this study, we combined a conceptual framework of empowering service features with the capabilities approach to compare the experiences of service users in HF and SS in Ireland. We carried out four focus group discussions with service users in HF (n = 7) and SS (n = 8). Using thematic analysis, we identified three themes that represented participants' descriptions of services: support orientation, home is more than shelter and organisational and political participation. Autonomy‐orientated support and an emphasis on service user choice and housing afforded HF service users' empowering experiences. The authoritarian approach, and emphasis on housing readiness and provider expertise undermined SS service users' empowering experiences. Findings suggest how HF and SS service features shape service users' lived experiences and perceptions of services. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.