“Just one step at a time”: Emergency housing support services evaluation final report

Emergency housing support services (EHSS) aim to help clients exit emergency housing and move into sustainable, long-term accommodation. EHSS include Integrated Services Case Managers (ISCMs), housing broker and navigator services, Ready to Rent programmes, and Flexible Funding Assistance. 

An evaluation of EHSS has been completed that draws on Ministry of Social Development administrative data, a client survey, focus groups with staff and providers, and 10 in-depth client interviews. Evaluation findings are that: 

• EHSS are effective and valued, with very high rates of sustained exits from emergency housing. Clients report strong satisfaction driven by relationship‑based, culturally grounded, well‑integrated support.
• There are remaining structural barriers, including shortages of suitable and affordable housing and unmet mental health and addiction needs, which limit sustainable outcomes more than service delivery itself.
• Strengthening long‑term stability requires continued investment in post settlement support, cross agency coordination, flexible funding that follows the person, and integrated service models tailored to clients’ increasingly complex needs.

Reports