The general objective of the project was enhancing skills and methodologies of social workers supporting people experiencing multiple exclusion homelessness through Housing First, aiming to improve service quality and promote rights-based approaches. The first specific objective focused on sharing strategies and methodologies related to promoting mental and physical health of service users, increasing social participation, reducing substance misuse through harm reduction, and identifying and reducing intimate partner violence. This exchange would enable professionals to learn from complementary welfare systems and adopt transferable practices. The second specific objective aimed to establish a network for knowledge exchange within the Housing First framework, connecting social workers, academics, housing providers, and third-sector organizations across Sweden and Italy for ongoing dialogue and collaboration. The third specific objective sought to develop an international community of practice for continuous learning and support, ensuring sustainability through lasting professional relationships, shared frameworks, and commitment to ongoing reflection and improvement in Housing First services across Europe.
The project addressed the need for enhanced professional competencies in supporting people experiencing multiple exclusion homelessness through Housing First. Both Norrköping Municipality and ASP Bologna had substantial experience but recognized opportunities for mutual learning through transnational exchange. Key needs included: Housing First social workers required enhanced skills to support individuals facing intersecting challenges—mental and physical health issues, substance misuse, social isolation, and intimate partner violence. Effective Housing First implementation demands sophisticated approaches to these complex needs. Second, comparative learning between welfare systems offered significant value. Sweden's comprehensive public welfare infrastructure and Italy's network-based approach with third-sector cooperatives represented complementary models. Structured exchange would enrich practices and contribute to European knowledge on Housing First implementation. Third, the field lacked accessible resources synthesizing transferable methodologies. Social workers needed concrete tools adaptable to local contexts while maintaining Housing First principles.