At the recent NI Homelessness Conference, two leading voices in the sector – Freek Spinnewijn, Director of FEANTSA, and Grant Campbell of Homeless Network Scotland – shared insights on innovative approaches to homelessness, highlighting lessons from across Europe and within Scotland.

Data-Driven Approaches: Know the Numbers, Plan the Response

Freek emphasised the importance of solid data collection in shaping effective policy. While data collection can be expensive, understanding the scale and profile of homelessness is essential for creating meaningful interventions. He noted that political consensus and sustained investment are critical: without multi-year funding and cross-party commitment, even the best policies risk failure.

Grant reinforced this, stressing that Scotland’s approach relies heavily on evidence to identify who is at risk and to target prevention early. For example, using health, social care, and justice system data allows services to intervene before a crisis occurs, preventing homelessness rather than simply reacting to it.

Housing First: Proven, but requires comprehensive support

Both speakers highlighted Housing First as a cornerstone of effective homelessness responses. Freek noted its international success – 80–90% tenancy sustainment – but warned that housing alone is insufficient. It must be combined with social and health support to address the underlying causes of homelessness.

Grant detailed how Scotland has implemented Housing First nationally, with all 32 local authorities now delivering the model. While the approach is statistically successful, he acknowledged the challenge of scaling services to meet all local needs, emphasising the importance of planning, dedicated staff, and ongoing evaluation.

Legislative and policy innovations in Scotland

Scotland’s legislative journey has been progressive and instructive. Freek highlighted lessons from European countries where legislation enables inter-agency collaboration, clear statutory duties, and comprehensive protection for vulnerable groups.

Grant outlined Scotland’s experience:

• Housing Scotland Act & Housing Options (2001–2003): Early intervention frameworks that offer alternatives to formal homeless applications.
• Ending Priority Need Testing: Ensures support is need-based, not contingent on arbitrary criteria.
• Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans: Each local authority develops a plan to move people quickly into stable housing.
• Intentionality Reforms: Eliminates punitive assessments that previously prevented support for people with complex needs.
• Unsuitable Accommodation Order: Ensures basic quality standards for temporary housing.

He noted that these reforms, combined with cross-sector collaboration and engagement with people with lived experience, have improved outcomes and reduced gaps in service provision.

Prevention: Universal and Targeted Interventions

Both speakers stressed prevention as a key strategy. Freek spoke about identifying risk factors early, while Grant highlighted how Scotland’s new Housing Bill expands the window for intervention – from two months to six months – allowing authorities to act before homelessness occurs.

Practical examples included healthcare assistants and social workers identifying early triggers such as debt, mental health struggles, or family stress, and linking individuals to support services – preventing homelessness before it escalates. The focus on both universal and targeted prevention ensures resources are directed where they are most needed.

Collaboration and Lived Experience

Freek highlighted that involving people with lived experience is critical to shaping effective policy. Their insights inform service design, ensuring interventions are person-centred and realistic.

Grant also emphasised Scotland’s collaborative approach, noting that partnerships across local authorities, housing providers, and community organisations are essential. Shared learning, aligned priorities, and joint planning allow for more efficient use of resources and innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Data matters: Reliable data enables early intervention and targeted support.
• Housing First works: When paired with wraparound support, it delivers sustained housing outcomes.
• Legislation enables action: Clear statutory duties, housing standards, and reform of punitive practices improve service effectiveness.
• Prevention is critical: Both universal and targeted strategies help stop homelessness before it starts.
• Collaboration and lived experience: Multi-sector engagement and involvement of those with lived experience is essential to informed, responsive policy.
• Scaling and sustainability: Political consensus, long-term funding, and dedicated staff are vital for expanding successful models.

Conclusion

Together, the European perspective from Freek and the Scottish experience shared by Grant illustrate that ending homelessness is possible, but it requires a combination of evidence-based policy, legislative reform, targeted prevention, adequate housing supply, and genuine collaboration with those experiencing homelessness.