Housing First
The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group (HARSAG) set up by the Scottish Government in October 2017 to produce short and long-term solutions to end homelessness and rough sleeping recommended transition to a Rapid Rehousing approach utilising a Housing First model where necessary.
The Housing First model works on the premise that a safe, secure, settled home is the best base for recovery for people who face multiple disadvantages beyond housing including childhood and early years trauma; domestic abuse; mental ill health; addictions; and time spent in local authority care or prison. It offers personalised, open-ended, flexible support for people to help end their experience of homelessness and address their wider needs. The model separates the provision of housing and support, offers choice and control to tenants and works to the principles of harm reduction.
As a result, Inverclyde’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan set out to implement a Housing First model for the area to enable excluded service users to achieve housing sustainment. The target client for the model is those with moderate to high support needs including those with experience of hostel dwelling and chaotic lifestyle. Our clients recieve flexible and personalised wrap-around Housing First support through a combination of our in-house Rapid Rehousing Support Workers and 3rd sector partners.
To access Housing First Support, please contact:
Housing Options and Homelessness Advice Services,
98 Dalrymple Street, Greenock PA15 1BZ
Telephone: 01475 715880
email: HOHAS@inverclyde.gov.uk