Resettlement services over the last few years have helped many homeless people make positive changes in their lives.
The largest study in the UK of the resettlement of single homeless people has found that four-in-five (81%) of a large representative sample were still living independently 18 months after being re-housed.
The FOR-HOME study followed up 400 single homeless people who were moved from hostels and other temporary accommodation into independent housing in London, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire to determine the long-term outcomes of resettlement.
It was conducted by Tony Warnes and Maureen Crane at the University of Sheffield in collaboration with six leading homelessness organisations - Broadway, Centrepoint, Framework, St Anne's, St Mungo's and Thames Reach.
The research indicated that most people in the study were glad to have moved, were optimistic about the future, and were rebuilding their lives. Some had started jobs or training courses, and several had renewed contact with their family or children or built new friendships.
The research also found that:
1.The FOR-HOME Study was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and a fuller report can be found on their website.