Study title

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The FOR-HOME longitudinal study collected information about the experiences of 400 homeless people who were resettled from hostels and other temporary accommodation into independent tenancies in London, Leeds, Nottingham and Sheffield during 2007-09. Interviews were conducted at three points: during 2007-10 just before they were rehoused, and then six and 15/18 months later. The study’s aims were: to discover the ways in which homeless people adjust to being rehoused, the problems that they face and how these are overcome, and the outcomes in terms of tenancy sustainment, housing satisfaction, well-being, and achieved levels of independenceto identify the personal, service-related (preparation and follow-up) and accommodation-related factors that influence resettlement outcomesto produce policy and practice recommendations and guidelines.After 15/18 months, 80% of the respondents were still housed (including a few who had changed tenancies), but 10% had been evicted or abandoned their accommodation (half of these were known to have returned to the streets or a hostel). Many experienced difficulties in the early months with equipping their new accommodation and with managing finances. During this time, however, only half received help from tenancy support workers, and the allocation of this help was unrelated to needs. Over the first six months, the prevalence of having debts increased, but the average value of the debt decreased. Incomes were very unstable, even among the employed, because most were in insecure jobs with fluctuating hours and pay rates. Overall the early findings indicated that resettlement for homeless people has positive outcomes, and eviction/abandonment rates are low. further information may be found on the ESRC's Factors in the Outcomes of the Resettlement of Homeless People award webpage. Main Topics:The study covered resettlement and independent living among...