Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
700Club
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Contact us Donate
  • Twitter
Menu
  • Home
  • About us
    • Who are we?
    • Our History
    • Our Achievements
    • Our Team
    • Our Funders
    • Our Partners
    • Client stories
    • Governance
  • Services
    • Hostels
    • The Lodge
    • Floating Support
    • Healthy Lifestyle
    • Early Intervention Outreach Project
    • Housing First Support
    • Street Outreach Project
    • Move-on Accommodation
  • Get help
    • What to expect?
    • Accommodation
    • Drug or alcohol dependent?
    • Concerned about a Rough Sleeper?
    • Worried about someone Begging?
    • Emergency Food
    • Places to get help
  • Jobs
  • Help us
    • Volunteer
    • Current Appeals
    • Jubilee 700
    • Leave a Legacy
    • Donate in memory
    • Provide Feedback
  • News and Events
    • News
    • Events
  • Contact us
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)

Housing First

What is Housing First?
Housing First is an evidence-based approach to successfully supporting homeless people with high needs and histories of entrenched or repeat homelessness to live in their own homes. It has been widely adopted across the US, is central to the national homelessness strategies in Canada, Denmark, Finland and France, and is growing in popularity in countries including Italy, Sweden, Spain and, increasingly, the UK.

The overall philosophy of Housing First is to provide a stable, independent home and intensive personalised support and case management to homeless people with multiple and complex needs. Housing is seen as a human right by Housing First services. There are no conditions around ‘housing readiness’ before providing someone with a home; rather, secure housing is viewed as a stable platform from which other issues can be addressed. Housing First is a different model because it provides housing ‘first’, as a matter of right, rather than ‘last’ or as a reward. 

Seven clear Principles lie behind the Housing First Model:

Principle 1: People have a right to a home
This means…
• Housing First prioritises access to housing as quickly as possible
• Eligibility for housing is not contingent on any conditions other than willingness to maintain a tenancy
• The housing provided is based on suitability (stability, choice, affordability, quality, community integration) rather than the type of housing
• The individual will not lose their housing if they disengage or no longer require the support
• The individual will be given their own tenancy agreement

Principle 2: Flexible support is provided for as long as it is needed
This means…
• Providers commit to long-term offers of support which do not have a fixed end date; recovery takes time and varies by individual needs, characteristics and experiences
• The service is designed for flexibility of support with procedures in place for high/low intensity support provision and for cases that are ‘dormant’
• Support is provided for the individual to transition away from Housing First if this is a positive choice for them
• The support links with relevant services across sectors that help to meet the full range of an individual’s needs
• There are clear pathways into, and out of, the Housing First service.

Principle 3: Housing and support are separated
This means…
• Support is available to help people maintain a tenancy and to address any other needs they identify
• An individual’s housing is not conditional on them engaging with support
• The choices they make about their support do not affect their housing
• The offer of support stays with the person – if the tenancy fails, the individual is supported to acquire and maintain a new home.

Principle 4: Individuals have choice and control
This means that they…
• Choose the type of housing they have and its location within reason as defined by the context. 
• Have the choice, where possible, about where they live
• Have the option not to engage with other services as long as there is regular contact with the Housing First team
• Choose where, when and how support is provided by the Housing First team
• Are supported through person-centred planning and are given the lead to shape the support they receive. Goals are not set by the service provider

Principle 5: An active engagement approach is used
This means…
• Staff are responsible for proactively engaging their clients; making the service fit the individual instead of trying to make the individual fit the service 
• Caseloads are small allowing staff to be persistent and proactive in their approach, doing ‘whatever it takes’ and not giving up or closing the case when engagement is low
• Support is provided for as long as each client requires it
• The team continues to engage and support the individual if they lose their home or leave their home temporarily.

Principle 6: The service is based on people’s strengths, goals and aspirations
This means…
• Services are underpinned by a philosophy that there is always a possibility for positive change and improved health and wellbeing,
relationships and community and/or economic integration
• Individuals are supported to identify their strengths and goals
• Individuals are supported to develop the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their goals
• Individuals are supported to develop increased self-esteem, self-worth and confidence, and to integrate into their local community.

Principle 7: A harm reduction approach is used
This means…
• People are supported holistically
• Staff support individuals who use substances to reduce immediate and ongoing harm to their health
• Staff aim to support individuals who self-harm to undertake practices which minimise risk of greater harm
• Staff aim to support individuals to undertake practices that reduce harm and promote recovery in other areas of physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Published: 24th November, 2020

Updated: 25th November, 2020

Author: John Elliston

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Administration Team Leader

    We are currently seeking a part time Administration Team Leader to join our supported accommodation team.

  • Blazing June and Celebration

    Blazing June and Celebration

    In a Jubilee week of celebration, the 700 Club marked its Silver Jubilee. From a small beginnings and an ambition to provide shelter for homeless people, the organisation has gone on to provide over 400,000. Thank you to everyone who has supported the charity over the years.

  • Jobs, Jobs and more Jobs

    Jobs, Jobs and more Jobs

    On 23rd June the 700 Club held its first ever Jobs Fayre. It was a successful event, and some roles were filled. Staff were on hand to talk to visitors, and refreshments were also served. BUT if you missed it, it isn't too late, just read on.

  • Celebrations and Fun

    Celebrations and Fun

    In June 2022 the 700 Club celebrated 25 years of service delivery in Darlington. Around 250 people called in consuming 340 bread buns filled with pork from a hog-roast. Side stalls, a bucking bronco, live music and sunshine made it a very special afternoon.

Related

  • Supported Accommodation

    Supported Accommodation

    The 700 Club provides 29 units of supported accommodation across its two hostels in Darlington. Individuals stay for up to a year as the progress towards independence.

  • Church View Apartments

    The need for supported move-on accommodation for individuals who have the potential to live independently, but who do not require the intense support provided by hostels, was recognised almost from the beginning of the 700 Club. In October 2020 it became a reality when the keys for Church View Apartments, comprising 32 flats, were handed over. The service will start in December.

  • The Lodge

    The Lodge

    The Lodge offers a temporary 'home' for people who are in housing crisis. If you are already rough sleeping, or in danger of doing so, call us for advice or call in at the Council's Housing Department for a Gateway assessment.

  • Early Intervention Outreach Project

    The 700 Club Early Intervention Project is a jointly funded partnership between Darlington Borough Council and Durham Police. It is based on the belief that big and costly problems can be prevented if they are addressed when they are still small.

  • Getting your own place

    Getting your own place

    If you need accommodation and don't have enough money for the deposit, make an appointment with Bridge2Home, our Bond Guarantee project. We may also be able to provide details of landlords with whom we work who are seeking new tenants.

  • What we do

    What we do

    The 700 Club offers a range of services to those who are homeless or inappropriately housed to help them as individuals overcome the barriers to living independently and to settle in a home of their choosing.

Most read

  • Who are we?

  • The Lodge

    The Lodge

    The Lodge offers a temporary 'home' for people who are in housing crisis. If you are already rough sleeping, or in danger of doing so, call us for advice or call in at the Council's Housing Department for a Gateway assessment.

  • Supported Accommodation

    Supported Accommodation

    The 700 Club provides 29 units of supported accommodation across its two hostels in Darlington. Individuals stay for up to a year as the progress towards independence.

  • Church View Apartments

    The need for supported move-on accommodation for individuals who have the potential to live independently, but who do not require the intense support provided by hostels, was recognised almost from the beginning of the 700 Club. In October 2020 it became a reality when the keys for Church View Apartments, comprising 32 flats, were handed over. The service will start in December.

  • Our History

  • Emergency Food

    A small quantity of food is held by the 700 Club at its hostel St. George's Hall in Elmfield Street. The store is available for access on all evenings and during the weekend. Agencies may refer people with whom they may have some involvement, but clients can call at St. George's Hall without referral.

  • Early Intervention Outreach Project

    The 700 Club Early Intervention Project is a jointly funded partnership between Darlington Borough Council and Durham Police. It is based on the belief that big and costly problems can be prevented if they are addressed when they are still small.

  • What we do

    What we do

    The 700 Club offers a range of services to those who are homeless or inappropriately housed to help them as individuals overcome the barriers to living independently and to settle in a home of their choosing.

  • Help those who beg on the street

    Help those who beg on the street

    Loose change feeds problems, it is not a solution. Help us bring support to those who beg. People beg for different reasons, but for all it is symptomatic of need. Help us to meet the person's needs so that they are not diminished by the need to beg.

  • Floating support service

Where the need is greatest

Where the need is greatest

Our work goes on day after day, but it's only through the generous donations of our supporters that this remains possible. With your help we can bring an end to the suffering that homelessness causes. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 17th March, 2014

Updated: 19th December, 2019

Author:

Comments: 1

Help those who beg on the street

Help those who beg on the street

Loose change feeds problems, it is not a solution. Help us bring support to those who beg. People beg for different reasons, but for all it is symptomatic of need. Help us to meet the person's needs so that they are not diminished by the need to beg. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 12th December, 2018

Updated: 18th July, 2022

Author: John Elliston

Church View Apartments Open

Church View Apartments Open

After months in development, on 9th December, the first person to take up residence entered Church View Apartments. It was a significant moment for the 700 Club and for the people Darlington. Until now, the town has lacked supported move-on accommodation, but with the launch of this initiative 32 flats will be available where residents can cultivate the skills and confidence needed for independence. Read more

Published: 15th December, 2020

Updated: 16th December, 2020

Author: John Elliston

Joint Working Recognised

Joint Working Recognised

Each year the Nepacs Ruth Cranfield Awards highlight and celebrate examples of exceptional work by people in the North East in the cause of rehabilitating prisoners into society and helping to cut the risk of re-offending. The Darlington Housing Options Team and the 700 Club were among 19 organisations to be commended. Read more

Published: 21st October, 2021

Author: John Elliston

Jubilee 700 for 2022

Jubilee 700 for 2022

Be part of the Jubilee 700. Make a gift or pledge an annual sum and help to bring stability to chaotic and damaged lives. Homelessness, addiction, and uncontrolled mental ill-health are signs not just of personal struggle but of a broken community. If we all do a little bit, big changes can happen. Let's make it happen in 2022. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 8th November, 2021

Updated: 2nd July, 2022

Author: John Elliston

Latest tweet

  • https://t.co/ImgBKJjYq6

    4thAugust, 2022 @700ClubHomeless
  • Looking for a new challenge? Rewarding full-time and part-time jobs on offer with a #Darlington charity with a pass… https://t.co/aGBaSFVYrB

    2ndAugust, 2022 @700ClubHomeless
  • On the hottest day of the year the temptation to cool off in open water is immense ... but yesterday 6 teenagers di… https://t.co/MOCpnDGP97

    19thJuly, 2022 @700ClubHomeless

Sign up for more information

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter your email address Please enter a valid email address (e.g. [email protected])

Useful links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions

Contact us

700 Club Head Office
Roadway House,
Beaumont Street West,
Darlington DL1 5SX

Phone: 01325 366397

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

The 700 Club is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 3191544 and registered as a Charity number 1056192. It is a Registered Social Landlord 4811

COVID-19 is very challenging to our charity. Check how we are dealing with it here