Housing First principles:
Housing First is built on seven principles focused on enabling the service user. How closely the programme adheres to the principles is referred to as fidelity. In the Liverpool City Region we follow a high fidelity model.
Research shows the effectiveness of the programme is linked to how closely it adheres to the principles which are:
Principle | Description | |
1: | Everyone has a right to a home. | Housing First is fundamentally rights-based. Everyone has the right to a home that provides them with security. |
2: | Flexible support is provided for as long as is needed | Relationships are a key tool for change. Removing vital support before the person is ready, can lead to relapse. |
3: | Housing and support are separated | We all have power to make decisions about our lives that does not impact our housing. Housing First residents have the same right. |
4: | Individuals have choice and control | Years of homelessness can be deeply disempowering. Housing First works to reverse the impact of trauma, putting the individual at the centre of decision-making. |
5: | An assertive engagement approach is used | Trauma impacts an individual’s ability to build trusting relationships and access help. Housing First finds non-threatening ways of proactively engaging with people. |
6: | The service is based on people’s strengths, goals and aspirations | Focussing on the deficits of a person reinforces low self-worth. By helping them to identify their strengths, we can build individuals’ resilience, hope and self-esteem. |
7: | A harm reduction approach is used | Moving into a home will not make people change overnight. Housing First takes a holistic approach to reducing harm and improving well-being. |