More than 8.000 homeless people live in Rome. The psychological and social consequences of the economic crisis of the last decade and the ongoing pandemic are leading to a steady increase in people on the street. Nonetheless, the still predominant approach is based on temporary and fragmented responses that lead to the frequent abandonment of reception structures and the network of services, without allowing the construction of a true planning approach.

The Housing First model starts from the assumption that housing is a human right and aims at promoting well-being, favoring active involvement. This is part of a person-centered project that provides flexible support for as long as necessary, based on the needs and history of the participants. Housing First, whose effectiveness is recognized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies, has lower costs than the current reception system. It reduces the economic burden on social services, the health system and the judiciary.