Housing First
A successful and evidence-based approach to homelessness, Housing First is a model that provides people with housing ‘first’ – a stable home from which to start rebuilding a life. The only requirement is a commitment to a tenancy; no other conditions are imposed.
Many clients who come through Housing First are experiencing multiple needs and could have long histories of homelessness. The temporary and shared accommodation Turning Tides offers isn’t always suited to these needs – that’s why the charity has been running Housing First since 2020. Housing is seen as a human right by Housing First services.
In launching Housing First services, we have made a commitment to:
- Offer support without a fixed end date; recovery is individual and takes time
- Provide a flexible service, adjusting support intensity and duration as needed
- Help our clients choose other housing options if they would like
- Connect our clients with relevant services across sectors
- Ensure clear entry and exit pathways
5 clients housed in 2024
5 clients housed in 2023
6 clients housed in 2022
10 clients housed in 2021
“After years of being homeless, Housing First came into my life. I could not find a property to rent independently. Housing First dealt with all relevant organisations and have secured me a property of my own, taking away all the stress. They have sorted my benefits rent council tax, helped me furnish the property. I still receive ongoing support from an allocated team, I finally have a home again thanks to Housing First.”
Where do we work and who with?
We work with councils and housing associations across West Sussex to obtain properties for people supported by Housing First. In 2024, we expanded our reach to cover Crawley – a new scheme in conjunction with Crawley Homes and Crawley Borough Council.
Adur and Worthing Borough Council; Worthing Homes and Adur Homes
Mid Sussex District Council; Clarion Housing
Horsham District Council; Southern Housing and Saxon Weald
Crawley Borough Council; Crawley Homes
What about working for us?
Countless times our clients have told us that without our intervention and support ‘they would have died.’
If you would like to know that everyday you have made a real positive impact – then join us and work for us.
You will be welcomed to a dedicated, compassionate and supportive workforce where your strengths and skills will be valued and enhanced.
