“La llar Primer”: supported housing for people in or at risk of residential exclusion (Castellón)

The “La Llar Primer” project is a residential centre based on shared living for people at risk of or in a situation of social exclusion (Housing First methodology). It is a publicly contracted centre, integrated into the Valencian Public System of Social Services. It began in 2018 and is framed within the philosophy known as housing first which advocates the suitability of providing a home to those who lack one in order to dignify their living conditions and establish access to housing as a right.

It is aimed at people in residential exclusion with a long history of drug use who have other pathologies that increase the risk to their lives. One of its most interesting features compared with most existing services is that active drug use is not a criterion for exclusion from participation.

The working methodology is organised around the demands of the participants, addressing their needs and respecting their choices and timing. Support, recognition of autonomy, proximity and the bond are key aspects of the professional approach. The objective is the improvement and recovery of the participant from a perspective of social inclusion and community participation. In the medium term, the aim is to enable them to keep a home without the specific support of the service.

This project was launched thanks to collaboration through an agreement with Castellón City Council, and with the collaboration of the Vicepresidencia Segunda y Conselleria de Servicios Sociales, Igualdad y Vivienda through the personal income tax (IRPF) allocation for social purposes. Since November 2021, La Llar Primer has become a group of publicly contracted homes integrated into the Valencian Public System of Social Services. The homes are accredited by the Vicepresidencia Segunda y Conselleria de Servicios Sociales, Igualdad y Vivienda and managed by Fundación Salud y Comunidad. They are located in the municipality of Castelló de la Plana and there are currently three homes, offering a total of 6 places.