A housing model known as Housing First, which offers individuals a permanent home before addressing other personal challenges, has shown promising results in helping people end homelessness. This approach is now being incorporated into England's new strategy for reducing rough sleeping. Michael, who became homeless in Plymouth in 2022, struggled to find support and moved impulsively to London, where he spent his first week sleeping on the pavement without even a sleeping bag. Eventually, he secured temporary housing through the UK government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme, but the tenancy was short-term. As the end of his stay approached, uncertainty returned until he learned about Solo Homes, a Housing First initiative run by The Connection. Michael was assigned a support worker, Gen, and within weeks had moved into a permanent flat. His rent is paid using his benefits, while the charity covers his care needs, including mental health support. Gen helped him settle in, and Michael began to make the place his own, even building some of his furniture. After years of uncertainty, he now feels he has a stable home and has not returned to the streets since. In August, the government announced a £442 million rough sleeping programme aimed at providing immediate support for people sleeping rough, with a focus on helping them leave the streets before Christmas. The initiative also includes long-term housing for those who have experienced extended periods of homelessness, along with intensive support services. While the programme is broader than Housing First, the government has stated that its long-term housing strategy will be based on Housing First principles. This model challenges traditional approaches to homelessness by offering a permanent home first, rather than requiring individuals to address other issues, such as mental health or addiction, before being considered for stable housing. Support is provided without conditions, allowing people to access the services they need while maintaining their home. Costanza Barbieri, a mental health practitioner who has worked with people sleeping rough in London, explains that the shift to prioritizing housing reflects a broader recognition of how living conditions affect wellbeing. Stabilizing housing reduces pressure on emergency services, A&E departments, and the criminal justice system. “There’s a real shift in focus towards wellbeing these days, whereas in the past it wasn’t given much consideration,” she says. Research over several years shows that Housing First can be especially effective for those who have experienced long-term homelessness alongside mental health issues, substance dependency, trauma, or contact with the criminal justice system. Since 2018, the government has funded Housing First pilots in Greater Manchester, Liverpool, and the West Midlands, supporting more than 1,000 people. Among those followed by researchers, 84% were living in long-term accommodation after six months, rising to 92% after a year. Many had previously experienced unstable living conditions, and improvements in mental health and wellbeing were also recorded. However, challenges remain. While some issues like loneliness and GP registration improved, there was no significant reduction in drug use or employment levels after a year. This highlights the need for long-term support, as recovery can be slow and non-linear, especially for those who have spent long periods on the streets. In London, the homelessness charity Spear runs Housing First services across five boroughs. Elena Brooks, its assistant director of operations, and Carmen Jeffery, a Housing First team leader, note that some clients have retained their homes for four years despite previous homelessness. Progress is measured not just by stable housing, but also by smaller milestones, like attending medical appointments or participating in recovery meetings. Francesca Albanese, from the charity Crisis, says that stable housing can reduce repeated emergency interventions and is a more cost-effective way to address homelessness. Despite these successes, challenges remain. Across England, an estimated 8,748 people slept rough at some point in June, with 3,253 classified as long-term rough sleepers. In London, 3,959 people were recorded sleeping rough between April and June, with most moving into temporary rather than settled housing. The Connection reports that long-term rough sleeping is also increasing in the borough of Westminster, but its Solo Homes programme has shown early success, with eight long-term rough sleepers securing their own homes and retaining them. Expanding Housing First initiatives faces obstacles, including housing shortages and the need for long-term funding and mental health support. While the government has allocated £178 million for settled accommodation, with councils able to use existing properties or build new homes, the challenge remains significant. Housing First is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for people like Michael, it has provided a sense of stability and security. “After three years of uncertainty, it was just nice to know I don’t have to worry about it anymore,” he says. “I’ve got stability now.”