Housing model that helps people struggling with addiction rolled out

A new housing model aimed at providing a home for people struggling with addiction issues has been rolled out in Louth, the Dundalk Municipal Committee heard at their March meeting.

Cllr. Maeve Yore said she welcomed the introduction of the scheme in Louth, and asked how many houses would it provide for people.

The ‘Housing First’ model which was introduced to Ireland by the Fr. Peter McVerry Trust has recently been launched in Louth, Senior Housing Office Aoife Lawler confirmed.

She outlined how it had operated successfully in the USA, including New York and San Francisco.

It was engaged in Dublin a few years ago, aimed at people who were struggling to secure a home as they battled mental health or addiction issues.

‘ This means that someone with an addiction issue will be granted a house first, alongside wraparound supports during their tenancy.’

She said this differed from other housing models were the addiction issues would have had to be addressed before securing accommodation, and had proved very successful.

‘In Dublin around 70% of first tenancies have been a success under this scheme.’

She added that even if a tenancy does fail, the tenant will be able to access further housing, and their support system would remain in place.

Housing First should see around 23 homes secured for people in Louth during the 2020-21 year, said Ms. Lawler.

The Fr. McVerry Trust have say the Housing First model ‘aims to provide a person sleeping rough, or someone who has been long-term homeless, with their own secure accommodation as well as access to intensive and specialised support services.’