Evaluation of a Housing Support Program for People Who Are at Risk of Homelessness: Perspective of People Who Refer Clients

Abstract

Strategies assisting people to maintain their tenancies are at the forefront of current government policy to prevent homelessness. Based on an intensive case management model, the Housing Support Program (HSP) aimed to prevent homelessness by providing ongoing assessment, advocacy, assistance and coordination of services for clients who are deemed at risk of losing their secure accommodation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the HSP from the perspective of the people who referred clients to the program. Twenty nine referral agents were surveyed. A focus group was also conducted. A large majority of participants (n=25, 86%) ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that the housing outcomes improved for referred clients after HSP intervention. Over three quarters of participants (n=23, 80%) believed that there are too few agencies actively working to support those at risk of loss of tenancy. The focus group discussion reaffirmed the role HSP plays providing continuity of care and ‘plugging the gap’ in services for disadvantaged clients.