Jason is a 39-year-old man who contends with autism, a learning disability, and mental health issues. His story underscores the crucial need for supported housing here in the UK. In 2017, after developing severe sepsis, Jason entered the hospital. His acute behavior issues as well as a medical complication that resulted in severe vomiting contributed to a lengthy inpatient stay. His family told us how supported housing was literally a lifesaver for him, helping to positively transform his life and behavior. This tailored environment—the perfect mix of structure, love, and support—has helped Anwar flourish.
Today, around half a million people in the UK live in supported housing. This kind of accommodation is key to allowing our most vulnerable or disabled citizens to live independently. An enormous crisis is quietly, yet dramatically, unfolding within this vital sector. As many as one in three providers in England closed their doors last year. This choice resulted in a huge gap of more than 325,000 subsidized homes throughout the country.
Jason’s family — and especially his father, ShaoXiong Liu — has led the charge to show the life-changing effects of supported housing.
“Jason’s behaviour is so much better now. He’s lived there so long and he’s happy there,” – ShaoXiong Liu.
The urgency of this need for supported housing is highlighted by skyrocketing demand for these services. Organizations continue to call on Congress to provide long-term increase in funding to support housing-related assistance. They are calling on the government to give councils an extra £1.6 billion a year. This new demand for action follows an estimated £1 billion cuts to council budgets during austerity measures that began in 2010. First, in 2009 the government cut ringfenced council funding for Housing Related Support. This detrimental decision has reverberated through time, with lasting effects on the availability of these crucial services.
The government has indeed set a pro-social housebuilding agenda—a good thing, with its £2 billion of investment to increase social and affordable housebuilding intended in 2026-27. Though well intentioned, many fear this effort will not be enough to make a dent in the immediate and growing needs of people like Jason.
“We recognise the vital role played by supported housing in helping vulnerable people to live independently and well, and the contribution it makes to tackling rough sleeping and timely hospital discharge,” – Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson.
For families like Jason’s, housing first is not just an initiative — it’s a lifesaver. As Liu ShaoXiong signed his name, he reflected on the obstacles his family will encounter as they grow older.
“Jason is an adult now and we are in our 70s, so his behaviour could be quite dangerous for us if he lived with us – we couldn’t look after him,” – ShaoXiong Liu.
Supported housing is key to reducing strain on the National Health Service (NHS) and social care systems. As a recent open letter from dozens of organizations puts it,
“Supported housing plays an indispensable role in cutting NHS waiting list backlogs, and reducing pressure on social care, temporary accommodation, and other vital public services.”
The federal government is set to release its long-term National Housing Strategy later this fall. Advocates are hopeful that it can lead to the creation of more supported housing in the long-term national plan for 1.5 million new residences. Increasing costs combined with lack of adequate funding still burden providers.
“The rising costs alongside reduced funding have rendered many services unviable, forcing many to close, while demand for supported housing continues to rise,” reported the National Housing Federation (NHF). The recent employers’ National Insurance contributions hike has added to the financial pressure on these vital providers.
