2 Simon Communities of Ireland Introduction The research adopted an analytic framework underpinned by evidence that suggests that The Centre for Housing Policy at the University of homelessness services that follow the York worked with the Simon Communities in operational principles of the Pathways Housing Ireland to examine the development of housing- First approach are more effective than traditional led services by the eight Simon Communities and homelessness services at delivering an end to the National Office. The research explored the homelessness (Pleace and Bretherton, 2013a impacts of the economic and policy context in and 2013b). These principles include: which housing-led services are being introduced by Simon Communities, including housing supply l Housing as a human right and ongoing changes to health, social housing l Respect, warmth, and compassion for all and welfare budgets. The research also explored clients examples of good practice in service delivery l A commitment to working with clients for as within the Simon Communities. long as they need l Scattered-site housing; independent apartments Objectives l Separation of housing and services The aims of the research were to: l Consumer choice and self-determination l A recovery orientation l Explore the development of housing-led services by the eight Simon Communities; l Harm reduction l Examine the context in which the rolling out of Respondents discussed their experiences and housing-led services is occurring and look views on introducing housing-led services in specifically at the ways in which contextual relation to the eight key principles noted above. factors may be influencing how housing-led Respondents also discussed operational issues services are being developed; and some of the barriers and challenges in l Look at how the Communities are developing relation to rolling out a housing-led approach. good practice to address some of the barriers and challenges that relate to using housing-led approaches, and, Report structure l Compare and contrast the experience of the Simon Communities in introducing and rolling Chapter Two sets out respondents’ views on the out housing-led services with experiences in adoption and rolling out of housing-led other countries. approaches within Simon Communities and focuses on three issues: Methods l Where are Simon Communities in this process? The research explored the above issues through l How do housing-led approaches fit within a discussions with senior managers, other staff and wider service mix? service users, and staff at the National Office. l What needs to happen next? This included visits to three Simon Communities: Dublin; Cork, and Midlands. Interviews were also The chapter begins by setting out respondents’ conducted with respondents from the Department views on the culture and ethos of Simon of Environment, Community and Local Communities in relation to the key principles, Government; Health Service Executive, and the followed by a discussion of operational issues in Dublin Region Homeless Executive. In addition, a taking forwards housing-led approaches. This is literature review was conducted of the experience followed by a consideration of the process of of utilising housing-led approaches in other transitioning towards housing-led approaches. countries.
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