Developing a model of housing support: the evidence from Merseyside

Abstract

This paper examines the complexities of providing housing support services for people who have experienced homelessness. The evidence is from a qualitative study of both those receiving and those providing support services for homeless people to resettle into the wider community from homeless accommodation in the Merseyside area. Different approaches of support are considered and using narratives, a model of successful support is established. The experiences of the majority of the service users strongly suggest that support has been critical in assisting a resettled way of life after being homeless. The paper contends that a critical prerequisite of successful support is the strength of desire of the homeless person to become resettled, coupled with a degree of motivation to engage with support services. The importance of such motivation should not be underestimated. Equally important to the success of resettlement is the relationship that most clients develop with a support worker. This relationship can initially develop while attempting to resolve practical difficulties of finding suitable, permanent accommodation. Through a mutual respect between worker and client and a high degree of empathy from a worker towards a client in tandem with an individualized support package aimed at independent living successful outcomes can occur. The paper concludes that support is successful when it is provided in a flexible manner thus relying on the skill and ability of a support worker to adequately judge the exact requirements of a service user. When this delicate balance between support and service user needs is achieved, the outcome is long‐term sustainable housing solutions.

Barriers and Contradictions in the Resettlement of Single Homeless People

“…Similar fears about isolation were identified in the study of Hennessy and Grant (2006: 341). In the current study, where projects were able to offer a variety of forms of accommodation, some residents seemed positive about the prospect of moving to housing that was slightly more independent.…”

Explaining Tenancy Sustainment Rates in British Social Rented Housing: The Roles of Management, Vulnerability and Choice

“…The study adds to current understanding by focusing on a whole cohort of tenants housed by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) in 2003 and allows exploration of the relationship between tenancy breakdown, individual vulnerability and social landlord practices. This complements previous studies on tenancy sustainment which have tended to focus on the experience of groups judged to be 'at particular risk' (see section 2) and on the evaluation of tenancy sustainment initiatives that provide targeted support (for example, Dane, 1998;Slatter and Crearie, 2003;Fitzpatrick et al, 2005;Crane et al, 2006;Hennessy and Grant, 2006;Lomax and Netto, 2007).…”

Support workers in social care in England: a scoping study

“…The absence of ‘professional’ characteristics is seen as an advantage. This study highlights the need to be non‐judgemental and flexible (Hennessy & Grant 2006).…”

“…Indeed, this is commonly referred to as an advantage. In a study of housing support, the absence of an overly ‘professional’ persona was seen as promoting accessibility (Hennessy & Grant 2006). The absence of a professional qualification should not be seen as implying that support workers always lack educational qualifications.…”

“…In a study of support working with people who are homeless, Hennessy & Grant (2006) emphasise both the befriending and the practical role. The absence of ‘professional’ characteristics is seen as an advantage.…”