Users’ Choice in Providing Services to the Most Vulnerable Homeless People

Bibliographic Data

ID13054844
AuthorsInger Lise Skog Hansen (Fafo Foundation, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume6
Issue3
Pages319-326
Publication date2018-09-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Inclusion (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2183-2803 • E-ISSN: 2183-2803
PublisherCogitatio (PUBLISHER • PT)
DOI10.17645/si.v6i3.1536
OpenAlexW2893322987
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited5

Several municipalities in Norway have tried the Housing First model to facilitate permanent housing for homeless people with substance abuse problems and/or mental illness. This article discusses users’ experiences from receiving social support as part of the Housing First programme. In particular, the article discusses the users’ experiences with the model’s emphasis on users’ choice and self-determination. The analysis shows that what the programs practise is not entirely freedom of choice for the participants but a greater respect of the users’ knowledge, perspectives, and opinions as a starting point for interventions. The analysis shows that participants and staff engage in joint reflection work to help the participants take more reflected decisions in their life. The article discusses how this method can contribute to overcome a diagnostic approach to marginalised and often stigmatised users and provide more personalised and effective services. The discussions draw on data from an evaluation of two trial projects of the Housing First model. The article is mainly based on an analysis of 16 qualitative interviews with users that participated in the projects

Housing First · Mental health · Mental illness · Political science · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Public relations · Sociology · Work (physics · Applied Psychology · Engineering · Homelessness and Social Issues · Housing, Finance, and Neoliberalism · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access