Housing first in Europe: study identifies successes, bottlenecks, and solutions

The project was launched based on practical observations of international homelessness work: the Housing First model works and produces good results, but it is still implemented on a very small scale almost everywhere.

European homelessness work is still largely based on temporary solutions, such as shelters and emergency accommodation, which have not succeeded in reducing homelessness.

According to the Housing First principle, homelessness is solved by first providing people with permanent housing and then building the necessary support around their home. Support is not a condition for housing, but is offered to strengthen the conditions for it.

The study sought to find out how the Housing First model is applied in different countries and to identify opportunities and obstacles for expanding the Housing First model.

Housing First works and offers new beginnings

The study results confirm that the Housing First model achieves good results and is able to help the long-term homeless. Having your own home creates stability and a sense of security in everyday life, and support that meets individual needs promotes well-being and housing stability.

“Residents interviewed in different countries said that Housing First -based housing gave them the opportunity to live independently. Having their own home was described as a path back to membership in society, and the support they received was greatly appreciated,” says Riikka Perälä, a postdoctoral researcher at the Y-Säätiö who conducted the study.

“Employees also described getting their own home as a turning point that not only ends homelessness but also provides an opportunity to solve other challenges in life.”

Various countries recognized the importance of the key principles of the Housing First model for effective homelessness work. A rights-based approach, long-term flexible support, a harm reduction approach, and active voluntary engagement were at the core of the model, regardless of the country in which the work was carried out.

Challenges and opportunities for Housing First work in Europe

One of the key lessons of the study is that homelessness work based on the Housing First principle is always linked to the local environment in which the work is carried out. On the one hand, this is an asset and creates opportunities, but it also poses challenges and limitations.

“The best results are achieved when the core of the model is kept clear, but the implementation is built on local strengths and actors. By utilizing existing services, taking into account existing opportunities for housing, and identifying suitable partners, we can achieve an impact that can be scaled up,” says Perälä.

On the other hand, differences in the operating environment and structures challenge Housing First work in Europe. The lack of affordable housing, fragmented service systems, and short-term project-based funding are typical obstacles to the expansion of the Housing First model.

“The Housing First model highlights the fact that eliminating homelessness, which is a goal in many European countries and also at the EU level, requires housing and good housing policy. Without housing, it is not possible to solve the problems faced by people experiencing homelessness,” says Perälä.

“It is a kind of paradigm shift, where the core of homelessness work is organizing and securing housing, whether it is acquiring, building, renting, or renovating homes. More professionals in this field should be brought into the field of homelessness work alongside social and health care professionals.”

The research report also discusses how Housing First work can be developed. For example, providing communal and single-site housing for people with particularly high support needs and preventing homelessness were identified as areas of development that would be worthwhile investing in. In terms of training, recurring themes included a trauma-informed approach, harm reduction work and substance abuse expertise, recovery orientation, managing challenging situations, and staff well-being. At the structural level, there was a desire for training on expanding and managing the Housing First model.

“The Finnish model, which offers a variety of housing options ranging from so-called scattered housing to single-site units, was considered positive, and similar solutions were being developed in Ireland and Spain, for example. Single-site or community-based housing in particular is a key development area for European Housing First work. From Finland’s perspective, there could be lessons to be learned from utilizing the surrounding community to alleviate loneliness and increase participation. In Spain, for example, residents were actively guided towards various organizational activities.”

The study is part of the EU’s Erasmus+ funded Adapting Housing First project, which examined homelessness work based on the Housing First principles in four countries: Finland, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. The project is coordinated by the Irish Sophia Housing Association, and its partners are Y-Säätiö (Finland), Housing First Berlin (Germany), and Arrels Fundació (Spain). The study is based on interviews and a survey of professionals.