Evaluation of Phase 2 homelessness approach: final report

This report presents the final findings from the evaluation, as well as an overview of the evaluation design, and outline of the case study approach used. The findings of the value for money work are also presented.

The findings focus on the following areas: rapid rehousing; prevention and early intervention; joined-up working; person-centred approaches; and co-production with service users.

Three key themes were found in relation to improving the rapid rehousing system in Wales. These were: access to housing, creating a rapid rehousing strategy, and the need for a culture change. The key recommendations from these findings were ongoing investment into affordable housing and steps to reduce planning barriers.

When looking at prevention and early intervention, the offer of floating support and taking a holistic approach were felt to be highly important. However, identified barriers included: a lack of early intervention models being embedded in projects and a lack of accommodation options.

Joined up working was mentioned across all the selected projects in various forms; multi-agency triage and assessment, initiatives focusing on those leaving prison or local authority care, and structures for multi-agency coordination and governance, with the main barrier being a lack of resource.

The main evaluation finding relating to a person-centred and trauma informed approach, was that it was not being applied consistently across staff or wider funded project pathways.

Finally, the research found some good examples of service users influencing design and delivery. However, this was not consistent across all funded projects.