Together Home Program Evaluation

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report presents a comprehensive evaluation of the Together Home program, conducted by the Centre for Social Impact UNSW (CSI) and commissioned by leading housing providers, Bridge Housing, Link Wentworth, Metro Community Housing, St George Community Housing and Women’s Housing Company. Initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services in June 2020, the Together Home Program aims to transition people sleeping rough or experiencing secondary homelessness in NSW into secure, long-term housing. With a budget of $189m1, the program focuses on those people sleeping rough across NSW. This evaluation examines client’s outcomes of the program across nine local government areas (LGAs)2 in Sydney, South-Eastern Sydney and Northern Sydney. From June 2020 to August 2023 a total of 380 clients were housed by Bridge Housing, Link Wentworth, Metro Community Housing, St George Community Housing and Women’s Housing Company.

Key Findings

The report finds that the Together Home Program has demonstrated significant success in its objectives, showcasing positive outcomes that align with the principles of the Housing First approach. Key highlights include:
Housing Stability and Satisfaction:
• Current Status: As of August 2023, 298 (78.4%) clients were still housed in the program while 28 (7.4%) clients who exited the program remained in stable housing, equating to a housing retention rate of 85.8%.
• Broad Impact: Since the program’s inception in July 2020, the program has provided housing to 380 clients across nine LGAs in Sydney, achieving a retention rate of 85.8%. This includes clients who have moved on from the program but remain in stable housing, indicating a broader definition of success beyond traditional Housing First models.
• Client Feedback: Feedback from interviews underscores high satisfaction levels regarding housing quality and location, with a notable improvement in family relationships for those with children.
• Survey Insights: A survey of 80 respondents also revealed high levels of satisfaction with housing. Satisfaction ratings of 8.2/10, with a median of 9, indicated widespread contentment with their living situations.

Health and Wellbeing Improvements:

• Health Status: 64% of surveyed clients reported improved health since joining the program. There was also self-reported reduction in hospital admissions with surveyed clients reporting a 35% use before entering the program to 20% after securing housing.
• Wellbeing Enhancement: The program markedly improved the client’s subjective wellbeing, as evidenced by the PWI which climbed from an average of 5.4 out of 10 to 8.3 after 18 months. This substance increase reflects not only improvements in wellbeing but also increased feelings of safety and security.
These findings affirm the program's critical role, beyond simply providing housing, to foster improved health and wellbeing among its clients.

Recommendations

The following recommendations, are proposed for policy and program development that would continue to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the Together Home program and other Housing First programs:

1. Increase investment in permanent housing solutions prioritising social housing, with alternative options including longer private rental lease agreements to ensure long-term housing access.
2. Promote ongoing funding models that adapt to client needs, encouraging a responsive service delivery framework.
Program Recommendations for Service Providers
3. Maintain and potentially expand housing support services to sustain the 85.8% retention rate, backed by regular assessments and personalised assistance.
4. Prioritise and increase funding for integrating mental health support as a core service component delivered through strategies like co-location, peer support, and regular check-ins.
5. Continue tailoring connections to preventive health, employment, and wellness services through needs assessments and external partnerships.
6. Further develop community engagement strategies based on research with stakeholders, focusing on proven approaches that enhance social inclusion.

These recommendations aim to build on the positive outcomes of the Together Home program, ensuring that the gains achieved are not only preserved but also serve as a springboard for future innovation and enhanced client outcomes.