Preventing Homelessness: A Review of the International Evidence

This rapid review of the international evidence was designed to look for lessons in developing effective homelessness prevention from other countries. The review found three essentials for effective homelessness prevention. 1. Prevention must be part of an integrated homelessness strategy. 2. Effective prevention is both flexible and connected, adapting to peoples' needs by working effectively with other services. 3. Prevention requires a sufficient housing supply in order to work well. There were three other key findings: • A good supply of stable and affordable housing is at the root of any effective response to homelessness. • People also need practical help and support to prevent homelessness or to rapidly end homelessness should they experience it. • Stopping homelessness from happening is the best way to avoid the very great human and financial costs that can accompany this extreme form of poverty and exclusion.