Briefing and working paper series: 19

Housing Scoping Papers: homelessness advice and support

The briefing begins by exploring the origins and evolution of the homelessness sector -  mapping organisational types, key roles, functions and characteristics. The full scoping paper expands on these themes by considering key policy, regulation and funding issues facing different parts of the sector. Using case studies, it illustrates the important work and impact of leading organisations in the homelessness sector.

The homelessness sector has been at the forefront of policy debates around social inclusion, social care and social justice. Recent developments have included moves towards integrated services and outcome-based joint commissioning. The sector is very diverse, incorporating organisations that offer housing advice, supported housing, housing-related support (i.e. life skills, floating support, day centres), and professional support (i.e. campaigning, policy development, training, research, conferences, capacity building etc). The homelessness sector is increasingly involved in wider policy debates on worklessness, well-being and social inclusion. Data on third sector housing advice centres and housing related support organisations is mainly held by umbrella and funding bodies (FIAC, Legal Services Commission, Supporting People etc). Data on the supported housing sub-sector is more comprehensive, based on regulatory returns (i.e. Tenant Services Authority, Supporting People). Homelessness organisations across each of the sub-sectors are funded from a range of sources: state support (under specific national programmes on a commissioned basis); private finance (in the case of housing associations); and charitable giving and fundraising (all of which are affected by the economic crisis).
 

Research contact
Dr Ricky Joseph, Centre for Urban and Regional Studies
Dr David Mullins