Shekinah Mission 

A feasibility study that looked at how Torbay could implement a Housing First system.

Why we funded this project

To undertake a feasibility study into the potential for Housing First in the Torbay area. This study was used to influence decision-makers at the local authority to move to Housing First across the area. The study also provided advice to enable this transition.

Strategic purpose

Improved understanding of which ideas have potential to create change.

Project summary

Housing First has achieved success in North America and Europe. In the UK, a few small Housing First programs are up and running, but not at a scale that would allow for the approach to be tested as an alternative to existing models of provision.

There has been no formal consideration of Housing First becoming a primary housing option for homeless people in any part of the UK and so this feasibility study was the first attempt to scope that.

Shekinah Mission commissioned Crisis to undertake a feasibility study that looked at how the housing system in Torbay could become a Housing First system. The study was used as evidence to influence decision makers in Torbay to implement the Housing First approach across the area and to inform and guide implementation.