The real impact of Housing First can be discovered in the stories of the people benefitting from these services. It is important that professionals from across the homelessness and related sectors hear - in residents' own words - how the approach has made a difference to their lives, and successfully supported them to move away from homelessness. This selection of residents' stories and videos will be added to over time.
Sam suffers from unconditional epliepsy. She went from sleeping rough to living in a caravan with no facilites, and 2019 she was offered Housing First support by Two Saints. Having her own home was an amazing change and gave her hope. (Video)
Luke had alcohol misuse issues and experienced periods of sleeping on the streets. Since July 2016, he has been successfully housed by Emerging Futures.
Katherine had a difficult upbringing, which led to drug use, recurring trouble with the police and a period of sleeping rough. Now supported by Emerging Futures, she is thinking positively about her future.
Thomas developed alcohol dependency, and found that hostels did not work for him. He has been successfully housed by the Bench Outreach Housing First project in South East London since July 2015, and enjoys visits from his daughter and grandchildren. (Video)
Wayne had a long history of substance misuse and offending after leaving the army. He was homeless for over 30 years before being referred to SHP’s Fulfilling Lives project in Camden and Islington. (Video)
Lindsay was referred to Housing First by her probation worker. She was temporarily housed with a high priority for rehousing. Lindsay is very vulnerable and has high/complex needs.