Which Way Home? 5 Introduction towards housing-led services. Nevertheless, there was also recognition of the need to maintain and This chapter focuses on the experiences and progress cultural change within Simon challenges of adopting a housing-led approach Communities in terms of attitudes and within Simon Communities. Respondents understanding of the approach. As part of this, discussed the overall culture and ethos of some respondents discussed the gradual change Simon Communities in relation to the key in views and expectations of service users, principles outlined in the previous chapter. reflecting the experiences of a growing number of The chapter then sets out operational issues in the latter. One respondent commented on the taking forward housing-led approaches. This is need to engage more fully with service users to followed by a consideration of the process of communicate the housing-led approach so that it transitioning towards housing-led approaches, would become the expectation and understanding including how housing-led approaches fit within of service users as the norm. a wider service mix. In relation to operational issues, individual Communities identified areas where change was Working with the principles of a netceplanned develiopments, or esere lernglinkedeowewhtnetfO.gnognoroyrasshiw housing-led approach recognised as requiring attention. The scale of change required varied considerably. A key There was a general view among staff aspect of the housing-led approach is a formal respondents that the culture and ethos of the separation between support and treatment on one Simon Communities coincided with many of the hand, and addressing housing issues on the principles of a housing-led approach set out in the other, underpinned by the concept that housing previous chapter, and reflected their approach to should not be dependent on service users being addressing homelessness. The level of compliant with treatment. Tackling housing issues enthusiasm and commitment within Simon includes all aspects of sustaining the home such Communities towards housing-led approaches as paying rent, dealing with maintenance and was clearly evident. A number of respondents repairs. One respondent felt that the value of also highlighted communicating and discussing achieving a separation between housing and the key messages of the housing-led approach support should not be under estimated in terms of with staff as part of the transitioning process facilitating positive outcomes for service users. PRACTICE EXAMPLE: Separation of housing and support between services Cork Simon – a separation of housing and support functions has been utilised between the different organisations in Cork Rentals i.e. If Cork Simon provides accommodation, then another agency provides support and vice versa. Cork Rentals is an initiative between Cork Simon, Focus, and St. Vincent de Paul , to offer people stuck in homeless services the opportunity to move on to their own homes with visiting one-to-one support as needed. Suitable homes are leased at the market rate in the private rented sector, and are then let to people. Landlords are guaranteed the fair market rent, full management of their properties, and an assurance that their properties will be returned at the end of the lease in the same condition. A separation of housing and support arrangements are also in place between an independent housing association and Cork Simon (www.corksimon.ie).
Which Way Home?
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