Abstract
The implementation and adaptation of the Housing First (HF) model represented profound changes the structure and delivery, goals, and principles of homeless services. These features of homeless services directly influence providers, their work performance and the clients’ outcomes. The present research, conducted in eight European countries, investigated how social providers working in HF or TS (Traditional Staircase) describe and conceptualize the goals and the principles of their services. Data were collected through 29 focus group discussions involving 121 providers. The results showed that HF and TS had similar and different goals for their clients in the following areas: support, social integration, satisfaction of needs, housing, and well-being. HF providers emphasized clients’ autonomy and ability to determine their personal goals, with housing being considered a start on the path of recovery, while TS were more focused on individual clients’ basic needs with respect to food, health and finding temporary accommodations. HF providers privileged the person-centered approach and housing as a right, while TS providers were more focused on helping everyone. Implications of the results are discussed as suggestions both for practice and for research.
Highlights
In Europe, the Housing First model (HF) of homeless services delivery [1,2,3] is gaining traction as an alternative to the Traditional Staircase model (TS)
We identified two main themes: goals and principles
Regarding the goals of their services, providers talked about different aims relating to the clients
Summary
In Europe, the Housing First model (HF) of homeless services delivery [1,2,3] is gaining traction as an alternative to the Traditional Staircase model (TS). In HF, people in homeless situations move directly from the street into independent accommodation with wraparound supports, and without any pre-condition to start a process of recovery [4]. Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of the HF model on people experiencing homelessness’ outcomes (recovery, housing stability) [5,6,7,8], but less research has taken place in Europe [2,9,10,11] or focused on the providers’ point of view [12,13,14]. Horizon 2020 finances the European project HOME_EU: ‘Homelessness as Unfairness’ (2016–2019), which aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how European citizens perceive, tolerate, and contest homelessness, through the integration of multiple perspectives such as that of citizens, policy makers, people experiencing homelessness, and social providers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
