The Guildford Housing First service is a key part of Guildford Borough Council’s Homelessness Prevention Strategy. It follows the nationally recognised Housing First approach, which starts with a permanent home and then provides flexible, open‑ended support to help people sustain their tenancy.
Customers are offered a stable, independent home first, without needing to meet conditions around treatment or behaviour. Housing and support are kept separate, so people can feel secure in their home. Support is tailored to each person and can continue for as long as it is needed.
Each customer works with a Housing First Worker to create an individual support plan based on their strengths, goals and aspirations. Support is delivered in a way that suits the customer, including visits at home or in the local area, and can include support outside office hours if required.
The service uses an outcomes‑based commissioning model with the Riverside Impact Fund, focusing on long‑term tenancy sustainment rather than short‑term fixes.
Housing First principles
The service is built around seven core principles:
- People have a right to a home
- Flexible support is provided for as long as it is needed
- Housing and support are separated
- Individuals have choice and control
- An active engagement approach is used
- Support is based on people’s strengths, goals and aspirations
- A harm reduction approach is used
Who the service is for and how to apply
- Applicants must have a local connection to Guildford
- Referrals are made through local agencies that support rough sleepers, including:
- Riverside
- Number 5 Night Shelter
- Guildford Action
- Guildford Borough Council
Applications are managed by the Housing First Delivery Group, led by Guildford Borough Council.