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Bradford Expands ‘New York’ Style Housing First Approach to Tackle Homelessness

Tuesday, 4 November 2025 at 12:23

Bradford Council is expanding its successful Housing First programme — inspired by New York and proven in Finland — to offer ten more places, helping more people with complex needs move from homelessness into stable, supported housing.

Bradford Council has announced the expansion of its pioneering ‘New York’ style Housing First initiative, a compassionate approach to tackling homelessness that focuses on giving people their own home and the long-term support they need to rebuild their lives.

Originally piloted in 2018, Housing First has been helping some of Bradford’s most vulnerable residents — people with complex needs and histories of repeat homelessness. Unlike traditional models that rely on temporary hostel accommodation, the initiative provides permanent homes first, followed by intensive wraparound support to help individuals tackle challenges such as addiction, poor mental health, and social isolation.

The model was first developed in New York and has since been adopted internationally, including in Finland, where it has helped cut homelessness by 70 per cent since 2007.

The latest expansion increases Bradford’s capacity from 30 to 40 supported clients, with the scheme continuing for another three years. The programme will be delivered in partnership with The Bridge Project and Waythrough, two organisations with strong experience supporting people affected by homelessness and multiple disadvantages.

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, said:

“We can say with certainty and with pride that in pioneering the Housing First approach we have reduced rough sleeping and repeat homelessness in the Bradford district. We are delighted to extend the service, which offers the most vulnerable people intensive, tailored support that emphasises control and choice.”

Jon Royle, Chief Executive of The Bridge Project, added:

“Housing First is a compassionate, humane response to help a group of people who’ve had incredibly difficult and challenging lives fulfil their potential and gain a level of dignity that most of us take for granted.”

Claire McCreanor, Director of Housing and Property Services at Waythrough, said:

“Providing people with a safe and secure place to call home while addressing the multiple disadvantages they face, with support tailored to their situation, is a transformative approach to getting people’s lives back on track. We’re proud to be helping people in Bradford move beyond homelessness, substance use, and mental ill health.”

The continued success of the Housing First programme reflects Bradford’s growing reputation for innovative, compassionate responses to social challenges, and its commitment to ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.

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