Housing First Leads to More Empowering Experiences than Other Service Models

This study compares the lived experiences of service users in Ireland under two homelessness intervention models: Housing First (HF) and staircase services (SS). While HF emphasizes autonomy, choice, and immediate housing—leading to more empowering outcomes—SS relies on a more authoritarian structure focused on housing readiness, which often undermines empowerment. Through focus groups and thematic analysis, the researchers reveal how these contrasting approaches shape users' sense of support, belonging, and participation, offering insights for future policy and practice.