Housing First is an approach that focuses on giving people a stable home first and foremost, then walking alongside them as they rebuild their lives at their own pace.
We spoke to Shona, one of our Housing First Support Workers, to find out more about her work.
Can you sum up Housing First in three words:
Consistent. Reliable. Hope.
What does a typical day look like for you?
“No two days are ever the same. I start by checking my caseload and any updates from the previous shift, then I’m out visiting people in their homes.
“Everything is person-led, so what I do depends on what each person needs that day. One person might need help settling into a new tenancy or attending an appointment, while someone else might just need a friendly face and a check-in.”
What is most important in your role?
“Building trust is huge. A lot of people we support have had difficult experiences with services, so consistency really matters. Turning up when I say I will can be just as important as anything else I do.”
What does success look like?
“Success looks different for everyone. For some people it’s keeping their tenancy and feeling settled. For others it might be smaller steps like engaging more, rebuilding routines, or just opening the front door.”
Can you share a moment that stays with you?
“I supported a young care leaver who had moved between more than 20 different places in just two years.
Being part of her journey and seeing her begin to experience stability after so much disruption is something I’m proud of. For me, that progress is really meaningful.”
Watch the video below to hear more from Shona about her work.