Lleida’s Housing First programme has supported 57 homeless people into stable housing and social inclusion over the past 10 years, according to the Paeria de Lleida. The scheme is run with Sant Joan de Déu and uses housing as the starting point for social work.
The city says 42 people are currently receiving support across 38 homes, while 15 more are on the waiting list. The model, which means housing first, gives people a stable place to live before other support steps are built around them.
Carlos Enjuanes, councillor for Social Action and Innovation, said the programme is one of several social models being developed and that services must adapt to users’ needs. He said the scheme works as a scale programme, with many users moving on from other facilities such as collective residential centres.
In Lleida, the programme usually places people in individual homes, although four couples are also taking part. Social workers support users as they rebuild routines, social ties and, where possible, steps towards work. The city says this approach can help people avoid group pressures that may make it harder to stop substance use or keep regular habits.
Alba Pirla, coordinator of social services at the Plaça de l’Ereta civic centre, said the programme is not only about providing a house. She said rising housing prices and landlord requirements make it very hard for many users to secure a home on their own. Under the scheme, users pay rent and utility bills, including electricity, water and gas, while the Paeria works directly with landlords to secure access to homes.
Sant Joan de Déu said the presence of Housing First users does not usually cause conflict with neighbours, because the resource is not even visible. Social workers said having a home brings security and peace of mind, and gives people a safe space from which to rebuild their lives. For more local coverage, see our news page.
