An evaluation of the nature and effectiveness of models of supportive housing

This Positioning Paper represents the first output in a research project examining supportive housing in Australia. The current research focus on supportive housing builds on and complements a larger program of homelessness and related housing research conducted since 2008. In particular, the need to theoretically and empirically examine supportive housing has grown out of the emerging Australian evidence base that has explored assertive outreach as a response to rough sleeping and chronic homelessness (Phillips & Parsell 2012), the cost effectiveness of homelessness intervention and housing models (Flatau et al. 2008), Housing First as a ‘new’ policy and practice paradigm to homelessness in Australia (Johnson, Parkinson & Parsell 2012), and national research evaluating new approaches to reducing homelessness (Button & Baulderstone 2013; Johnson et al. 2012; Johnson & Chamberlain 2013, Parsell et al. 2013a, 2013b). Extending the evidence base, the current supportive housing research will examine the nature of models of supportive housing for people who have exited homelessness and people at risk of entering homelessness. It will focus on two distinct models: the Common Ground model of congregated housing with onsite support and social services, a nd scattered - site supportive housing models where a various range of support services are provided by alliance organisations through outreach services. The two approaches represent contrasting models in terms of housing form, explicit focus on social mix, the manner in which support and social services are integrated within housing, and the model objectives and intended outcomes. The models also represent the dominant forms of supportive housing throughout Australia.