20 | Transforming the homelessness system: 15 years of Housing First in England
Tracks
English
| Friday, November 7, 2025 |
| 9:00 - 10:00 |
Details
Housing First has developed in parallel to the broader homelessness system in England. This approach has led to some amazing achievements, including the development of approx. 150 services, supporting 1000s of people out of homelessness and into support and recovery. However, there are also endless challenges, including the threat of funding sunsets, a shortage of affordable and appropriate housing and the fragmentation of our health, housing and social care systems. This presentation will explore the crossroads we find ourselves at in England and explore the 'what next' question for Housing First. As we apply the lessons learnt and consider the broader systemic changes which are needed to truly end homelessness, can we move from a system of impermanence to one of permanence, and embrace a philosophy of housing, first?
Speaker
Alex Smith
Senior Programme Manager
Homeless Link
Transforming the homelessness system: 15 years of Housing First in England
Biography
Alex Smith is senior programme manager with Homeless Link’s National Practice Development Team. Alex joined Homeless Link in August 2019 and led the Housing First England project. Alex has a particular interest in systems thinking and the importance of systems change in the scaling up of Housing First in England.
