New research has found a community-based housing program for people transitioning out of homelessness has been overwhelmingly successful in keeping a safe roof over their heads, while also improving health and employment outcomes and reducing contact with the criminal justice system.
Initiated in mid-2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Together Home program has transitioned more than 1,000 people sleeping rough or in temporary/crisis accommodation in NSW into secure, stable, long-term housing.
Evaluating Community-based Housing Programs
A new evaluation by the Centre for Social Impact at UNSW highlights that Together Home achieved outstanding success across a range of outcomes beyond providing housing.
Notably, 85.8% of the 380 clients in Sydney remained in stable housing three years after the program began. There were reported improvements in employment (a 2.6% increase) and education (a 2.3% increase), a greater sense of autonomy, and fewer interactions with the criminal justice system.
Survey results from 80 respondents also showed that 64% of clients reported improved health, and hospital admissions reduced by 35% since joining the program. The Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) indicated a significant improvement in subjective wellbeing, with scores rising from 5.4 to 8.3 out of ten, after 18 months in the program.
Scattered-Site Housing Models
Unlike traditional models, Together Home employs a scattered-site housing approach, allowing clients to live in private rental properties managed by Community Housing Providers (CHPs). People housed through the Together Home program pay a subsidised rent, with the amount based on a percentage of their income. The program offers comprehensive wrap-around support services tailored to individual needs, including health, mental health, and community integration services.
The report - commissioned by housing providers Bridge Housing , Link Wentworth , Metro Community Housing , St George Community Housing and Women's Housing Company - recommends that policymakers increase investment in permanent housing solutions, prioritising social housing. Alternative options to ensure long-term housing access including longer private rental lease agreements should also be encouraged.
Housing First Approach
Research fellow Dr Rhiannon Parker from the Centre for Social Impact UNSW said the findings provided strong evidence to support the Housing First approach, which is internationally accepted as the most successful model to end homelessness for people with high support needs who have experienced long term or recurring homelessness.
"This evaluation showed the immense value of holistic support, with integration of mental health and wellbeing services crucial for ensuring people leaving homelessness felt supported, enabling the program's success," Dr Parker explained.
Lead author, Emma Barnes said the program demonstrates the transformative power of stable housing and comprehensive support services.
"The Together Home program has helped individuals transition from homelessness to stable housing, fostering a sense of community and belonging among participants."
The Transition: From Homeless to Stable Housing
One participant, who had experienced episodes of homelessness since the age of 12, shared that he had secured full time employment, gained custody of his children, and remained drug-free since joining the Together Home program:
"I have been in and out of jail since I was 18. I haven't been incarcerated now for two or three years…I'm working full time. I've got my family back together. I get my kids every weekend. I'm living next to a normal life. I suppose you could say without the Together Home program, I don't think I would be where I am today if it wasn't for their help with housing, and the guidance of having a case worker."
Fundamental Tools to End Homelessness
Bridge Housing Chief Operating Officer, Simone Parsons, said:
"Bridge Housing piloted the Housing First approach more than ten years ago. We demonstrated, particularly through Covid-19, that it is a fundamental tool to end homelessness. We encourage the government to make Together Home a permanent business as usual program, free from funding uncertainty,"
Together Home ensures housing stability by using a headlease model, allowing CHPs to lease properties on behalf of clients, providing greater flexibility and immediate housing solutions.
The evaluation examined outcomes across nine local government areas in Sydney, South-Eastern Sydney and Northern Sydney, where 380 people joined the program. A survey of 80 respondents revealed high levels of satisfaction with the housing (median score 9/10).
The report has also recommended policymakers provide ongoing, continuous funding to support flexible, responsive services that can adapt to client needs to meet them effectively.
