Prevention of homelessness - the role of health & social care

This Housing LIN briefing No11 describes practical steps that can be taken by health and social care staff to prevent individuals becoming homeless. It also suggests policies and procedures that will support staff in achieving this objective.

Health and social care staff have opportunities to help prevent homelessness. This briefing paper is intended to highlight ways in which these can be put to the best use. The primary objective is to prevent homelessness, particularly repeat homelessness, but an additional benefit would be a reduction in the resources required to provide appropriate care and treatment for people who experience homelessness. There would also be savings to other agencies such as housing and criminal justice.