Housing First & Deinstitutionalisation: “My Home My Choice”

My Home My Choice The Governments “A vision for change” prioritises the need for maximum recovery from mental illness in a way which can achieve meaningful integration and participation in community life (Vision for change 2006) In 2012 the My Home My Choice project was established by Focus Ireland in collaboration with Kildare Co Co and the HSE to target individuals with diagnosed mental health difficulties who were assessed as having a housing need and expressed a desire to live independently in their community.

Referral Criteria Individuals who have been assessed as having a housing need Individuals must be attached to the community mental health team. Individuals have expressed a desire to live independently in their own communities

Approach Operate from a case management approach Integrate accommodation with a tailored, person centred support service Post tenancy support

What informs our work Areas to consider pre settlement: Experience of paying bills Wellness recovery plans Isolation Local supports available Willingness to engage in support planning with FI support staff.

Observations Availability of appropriate properties in required areas. Rent caps Unwillingness of landlords to accept tenants on rent allowance Involvement of Focus Ireland accommodation finder: negotiating with landlords FI support staff remaining involved for up to one year (or more if needed)

Sustaining a home Home visits Budgeting Links to community services Emotional support Planning for wellness recovery.

Profile of customers

Profile of customers

Outcomes - Housing 71 households referred to the service since 2012 26 of these deemed to be unsuitable 16 rolling caseload at any one time – target is 12 households per year. 38 tenancies secured to date 5 households currently awaiting accommodation. 1 household has returned to homelessness.

Overall outcomes Reduction in reliance in mental health services Reduction in in patient hospital stays (reduction in cost to the state) Wellness recovery, coping skills and knowledge improved Return to education / employment Improvement in household budgeting and management skills

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