The MISHA Project: From Homelessness to Sustained Housing 2010-2013

MISHA (Michael’s Intensive Supported Housing Accord), a philanthropically-funded project, began in late 2010 with the aim of providing homeless men with support to enter and sustain permanent housing, ensure access to mental and physical health supports, reduce social isolation and equip the men to live successfully within the community. The service delivery model employed in the MISHA project drew on: 1) the principles of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), which emphasises a multi-disciplinary team approach to the holistic management of a client’s needs; and 2) the Housing First model, which is based on the rights to and benefits of permanent housing and consumer choice. The program used scattered site housing leased via social housing providers and a MISHA support team with strong links to existing community programs operating in the Parramatta area. In addition, the target group was further restricted to men aged 25 years or older, who were eligible for social housing in NSW, had an income (or be eligible for income support) and were willing to pay rent on time, and willing to meet with a MISHA staff member on a regular basis. Clients were recruited for the MISHA project from two main sources: the Western Sydney Housing Coalition of local housing and homelessness services; and direct outreach carried out amongst rough sleepers in the Parramatta area or through other services working with rough sleepers, such as a local soup kitchen. The main aim of the MISHA research project was to evaluate the service model with respect to client outcomes and the direct economic benefits to government and wider society of the program. It also aimed to make a significant contribution to the evidence base informing government policy in the housing and homelessness fields.