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1.0 Semi independent living housing concept - Rationale
The main aim of semi-independent living housing (SILH) is to develop and
sustain a person’s ability to live as independently as possible either in their
own home or in accommodation with staff on site. This new type of housing
with care allows residents to retain their privacy and independence within their
own self-contained flat but with access to necessary support to assist them to
integrate better in the community.
SILH is an excellent choice for those who are looking to become independent
but are not ready to move out on their own. The integration of these persons
in the community is a step forward ending the dependent life in residential
care and a step closer towards fully independent living. Furthermore, with this
initiative the limited space available in our shelter homes can be maximised
and utilised by those persons that are unable to live independently rather than
using residential care to support persons who are able to live independently if
they are given the necessary support to make the transition. This will also be
cost effective in operating our shelter homes as available funds will be
targeted towards services according to the needs of individuals according to
their stage in life, being dependent, semi-independent and independent.
Persons suffering from mental health, homeless, young people leaving
institutions/care, adults or children victims of domestic violence, fostered
young people and disabled persons might need SILH for a variety of reasons.
The reality of these reasons tends to have a detrimental effect on the lives of
these persons which can thus lead to unemployment, addictions, social and
economical poverty, homelessness or housing vulnerability, and social
exclusion. If these persons are able to live independently, they should not
remain dependent on the institutional care thus it is important to consider an
integrated approach to their problems which can help them to move on and
start their own life outside care.
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2.0 Housing Authority and Supported Housing Programme
The Housing Authority (HA) manages the Supported Housing Programme
(SHP) for many years now. This programme is targeted to assist recognized
voluntary organisations (Annex 1: Definitions) whose primary focus relates to
the provision for housing service to persons in housing needs with the ultimate
aim to promote integration of vulnerable people in the community. The HA can
have an important role in assisting vulnerable persons as housing is one of
the fundamental issues in their lives. The HA is already assisting shelter
organisations that provide full residential care through provision of premises,
assistance to refurbish residences or funding mobility issues in the same
residences. It also provides assistance for to various organisations, persons
suffering from mental health, persons suffering from domestic violence and
persons with disability by allocating units for this purpose or giving rent
subsidy or refurbishing grants for units rented for this scope.
The assistance offered refers to:
a. The provision of one or more premises, by sale or lease; when
premises are given on lease a subsidy of 40% on the commercial rent shall
be given.
b. Financial grants for alternations, refurbishment, repairs or upgrading of
premises.
c. Financial grants to address mobility issues.
d. Rent subsidy for young people aged 16- 28 years out of care or
rehabilitation programmes.
e. Offering our technical expertise support in case of any structural
changes
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The HA allocates an annual budget which is distributed according to the
number of requests received on a first come first served basis.
3.0 Semi-Independent Living. Towards a person-centred approach
In the coming years, HA shall shift its emphasis to focus more on assistance
related to semi-independent living to bridge the gap between residential care
(support housing programme) and living an independent life for different target
groups. There seems to be a gap in this sector particularly for youth leaving
care or youth at risk, and homeless persons. This shall be part of the Housing
Authority objectives in the coming years to enhance accessibility to adequate
housing to vulnerable persons whilst securing their prospects for a better
quality of life within the community.
A person-centred approach is what makes supported housing successful.
Service providers will be able to identify the needs of the service user and
devise a plan to determine the length of transition required from their previous
abode and the ‘move on’ phase to independent living. This assessment
depends largely on their acquired skills, their disability and their behaviour.
Some persons might be more challenging than others and therefore tailor
made and comprehensive packages of support that respond to people’s
needs, their aspirations and choices over time are necessary for these
vulnerable persons to be able to manage the change from residential care to
semi-independent living to fully independent living.
Such person centred approach is fundamental as service providers can
identify the need for single flats (having own kitchen, bathroom and bedroom)
or for shared housing (clients share a kitchen and a bathroom but have their
own bedrooms) which can also fall within the scope of semi-independent
living. Flat lets can be located in one block or spread in different localities.
Service users are expected to cook, clean and shop for themselves thus they
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might require independent living skills assistance, budgeting, health and life
style, personal safety, emotional well being etc… but members of staff being a
janitor living within the block of self contained flats or members of staff based
on site (day and night) or make regular visits are expected to be available to
help with practical matters during this transition phase.
Housing related support is also essential to identify the opportunities available
to access independent accommodation after semi-independent living
arrangements. Some persons might be able to look for units for rent from the
private sector; other might be able to make it for home ownership while others
might depend on the availability of social housing.
Within this context, our areas of priorities are:
3.1 Youth at risk
Semi-independent housing for youth aging out of the institutional care or
rehabilitation centres, homeless and youth at risk is an important element to
assist these older adolescents and young adults to embark on a new
independent life rather than ending up within the social system with a lifetime
dependence on the Government. Youth who leave institutional care are faced
with serious challenges as having grown accustomed to an insular group life;
they suddenly have to face the adult work and adapt to live alone in the
outside world. Through SILH, these youth can all live in a separate flat let
however mentors and support workers are vital in offering their assistance to
help them integrate with others and develop networking and independent
skills. These youth tend also to lack educational skills which make it difficult
for them to find employment which is fundamental for their ultimate aim to live
fully independent within the community.
Supervised housing sort of giving them a taste of independent living but
through the 24hr support that they are given, they are better assisted to
overcome day to day difficulties and embark on new challenges in their lives
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to help them manage better their independent life.
3.2 Homeless
Homelessness is not a static phenomenon; it is a process affecting many
vulnerable households at different points in their lives. Homelessness is
usually associated with lack of suitable accommodation however there is more
to it than the physical aspect; homeless persons tend to pass from various
problems being social and psychological amongst others that need to be
tackled a priori rather than trying to solve the problem only by giving them
shelter.
Securing and maintaining housing for homeless persons is an important
aspect of supportive housing. Permanent housing shall take priority over
emergency accommodation in order to secure long term housing. Temporary
and emergency accommodation shall be for a definite period of time as the
name implies however permanent housing shall be made available for this to
happen. Necessary support shall be provided to assist homeless persons in
their transition to permanent housing ensuring that they can gain the
necessary skills and competences to lead an independent life particularly
focusing on how they can maintain their new accommodation, reducing the
risk of eviction or repeat homelessness.
3.3 Mental health
HA provides accommodation to persons with chronic mental health problems
who do not need hospitalization but supportive setting. In the apartments,
tenants have their own bedroom and a communal lounge and kitchen.
Persons are assisted and involved in the management of their homes in order
to maintain their property and living environment at an adequate level.
Ongoing support to facilitate the holistic integration in the community is very
important.
The scheme is open to persons suffering from a chronic mental health
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problem; who have undergone or are undergoing a rehabilitation programme;
who are either homeless or in a situation where returning to previous living
environment would be detrimental to their mental health; who want and are
committed to community living; and are able to support self financially or are
eligible for financial assistance.
3.4 Victims of domestic violence
These persons have to leave home because they can no longer tolerate the
abusive situation; the abuse can be physical, emotional, financial and/or
sexual. The women (most of the victims are women) shall be empowered to
be able to decide which direction they want their lives and that of their
children’s to take.
Supportive housing can be a solution during the transition in the lives of these
women and their children. Usually victims of domestic violence suffer in
silence and they need to be brave enough to leave their home and secure a
safer place to live. Thus offering these persons opportunities for supportive
housing where they can secure accommodation whilst being given the
necessary support and emotional and practical empowerment to enable them
to rebuild their lives may encourage victims to come forward.
Second stage shelters already exist however HA shall focus more on
providing independent flat lets to women and their children to start building
their life again independently from their abusive husband or partner. Victims of
domestic violence are among the most vulnerable groups at risk of poverty
and social exclusion thus supportive housing programmes can shed light to a
hopeful new beginning, a life within a safe environment. This programme
shall also serve as a tool to bring out children from abusive environments and
the possibility to deal with their difficult life situation from when they are young.
3.5 Disabled persons
SILH enables persons with a disability to live independently or with others,
where the family home environment is not possible or available. Residents will
gain skills in community living through individualised support plans ensuring
the achievement of their optimum potential in enhancing their quality of life.
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Persons with disability have different needs than other target vulnerable
groups. Therefore SILH opportunities for this group shall be more specific
according to the individual needs and disability. SILH can be in the form of
small and personalised apartments and houses or the home of the individual
with a disability. Support is required to assist the person with disability to
become more independent and when possible self-sufficient. The units shall
be adaptable to the disability needs of the persons living under supportive
housing to maximise their potential to live their own independent life.
4.0 General guidelines to follow
4.1 The Housing Authority shall fund capital expenditure and it shall not
fund recurrent expenditure. It is at the discretion of the Housing Authority to
fund projects in full or in part. Each request is reviewed on its own merits. The
final decision is at the discretion of the HA.
4.2 Organisations shall obtain all the necessary permits prior to submitting
a request for assistance to the Housing Authority ensuring that the funds are
allocated to property that can be transformed into supportive housing and
semi-independent living arrangements.
4.3 The Housing Authority shall keep constant contact with the
organisations assisted under this scheme to ensure that the units are utilised
for the purpose indicated in the scheme/agreement.
4.4 The project for which assistance is requested shall be in line with the
policies of the HA and its involvement to promote decent housing standards in
the community (Cfr. 5 star qualifications )
4.5 Projects have to demonstrate financial sustainability which guarantees
completion.
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4.6 In case of major projects 1 the HA reserves the right to require one of
its staff members to represent the Authority on the organisation’s governing
body when issues referring to the project assistance is received for are being
discussed.
4.7 Since project may not be completed in the same year when approval
of funds have been given, SILH shall be monitored and managed via an
implementation and disbursement schedule ensuring that funds committed
are made available in line with the timeframes provided.
4.8 Outstanding commitments shall be included in the annual budget under
the programme.
4.9 The assistance granted shall be to the benefit of the service users
rather than for the wellbeing of the organisation itself.
5.0 Requirements
5.1 Submit the application for funding on the prescribed format, including
all documents;
5.2 Enter into agreement which will clearly state the time-frame, the
programme of works and the proposed phasing of payments, the extent
of works to be carried out (bills of quantities to be compiled by architect
contracted by the applicant organisation) and the funds to be granted
for each item on the basis of the report compiled by the Authority’s
architect (engineer in case of passenger lift, occupational therapist to
be consulted in case of disabled persons) after inspecting the
premises;
5.3 Grant access to Housing Authority’s architect/technical officer to ensure
1 Major projects are defined as those receiving support in excess of € 50,000
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that works are proceeding and up to standard (surprise visits);
5.4 Abide to any regulations, standards and legal obligations established
by Government, e.g. Health and Safety Regulations, and obtain MEPA
permits where applicable; the contractor shall be suitably qualified to
carry out the trades required and shall provide documentation proving
that he possesses valid licence/certification to carry out the works, in
cases of structural alterations/construction works the NGO shall
engage an architect/engineer to supervise and certify the work;
5.5 Agree that financial instalments will be issued subject to certification by
the Authority’s architect confirming that works are completed and up to
standard;
5.6 Notify the Authority of any discrepancy from the original time frame by
submitting a written request for approval of change. Any substantial
delay in works which will end up carrying the works into another year
will not automatically mean that the HA will finance that project as the
budget is approved on a year by year basis;
5.7 Abide to the information policy applied by the Housing Authority,
following which information concerning an individual case is given to a
NGO only in cases where the individual applicant has used the
services of this NGO and is receiving continuous support from the
same through a Housing Authority scheme; in all other cases the
Housing Authority is strictly only to be contacted by the client;
5.8 Agree that in cases where the organisation moves out of the property
assistance has been received for or closes down before a period of 10
years has elapsed, the Authority is legally entitled back the assistance
forwarded, which may be done in form of cash payment or by giving
back the premises or movable property.
5.9 Assist the Authority in the collection of data in relation to the assistance
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given and the benefits related to the project funded through the
supported housing programme.
6.0 Promotion
6.1 The Housing Authority’s logo shall be included in all promotional and
printed material associated with the project for which assistance is
being received;
6.2 The Housing Authority shall be mentioned as a sponsor in all media
announcements related to the respective project;
6.3 The Housing Authority shall be included as a sponsor on the
organisation’s website.
7.0 Documents
All applications presented must have state the statute of the voluntary
organisation and business plan outlining its mission statements, its
objectives, its functions, its financial provisions and intentions, and all other
factors that it deems critical to the successful operation and development
of its service (number of persons intended to house, fees, staffing policies,
policy and procedure re keeping of records, resident’s charter, complaints
procedure);
7.1 Detailed departmental and management accounts, an audited
financial report, copies of FS3s, copy of FS7, and management
accounts including Income and Expenditure and Balance Sheet –
Annual audited account;
7.2 Documentation relating to evidence of the housing need for which it
aims to cater;
7.3 Evidence of title to, or lease agreement of the property assistance
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is required for. Any such lease is to extend for a minimum period of
10 years;
7.4 Site and property plans of the property in question, building
permits, scaled plans, bills of quantity, quotations;
7.5 Specimen License Agreement with residents.
8.0 Programme Implementation Structure – Internal procedures
8.1 The Authority’s SILH is managed by the Head of HA Social Department or
his representative, with a direct reporting line to the CEO. The
consolidation of the whole programme under this department seeks to
ensure that assistance is granted reaching beneficiaries in a most efficient
way and reflecting the policies adopted by the Authority.
8.2 The Head of HA social Department or his representative acts as the
Authority’s representative on Committees entrusted with the
implementation of major projects
supported by the Authority. Her role is to
ensure that the monitoring of the initiatives being undertaken are in line
with the sponsorship conditions established and that the Authority’s
involvement is suitably recognised.
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9. 0 Assessment
9.1 The following procedures apply:
� All requests received by the Authority for support for any NGO will be
forwarded to the Head of Supported Housing.
� HA shall carry out necessary checks with the Non-Governmental
Organisations Project Selections Committee of the Ministry for
Education, Employment and the Family in relation to any funding given
by the same committee for the project for which funding is being
requested.
� For new requests, the Head of Supported Housing will make
recommendations to the CEO, after having evaluated the request in
line with the parameters established in this policy document.
� The CEO will decide on whether to accept or decline a request and
pass on his instructions to the Head of Supported Housing.
� The Head of Supported Housing will write to the correspondents
informing them of the Authority’s decision. In the case of approved
requests, the Head of Supported Housing is entrusted with negotiating
the best possible exposure for the Authority in return for its support and
to take decisions in due course throughout the implementation of the
project unless major changes to the original proposal are made. Such
changes shall be considered as new requests.
� The Authority’s Chairman or Directors who may be approached directly
for support may review a request and forward their comments to the
Head of Supported Housing. The Head of Supported Housing will, in
turn, add on his recommendations and forward to the CEO for a
decision.
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9.2 This Governance structure is intended to eliminate fragmentation and
effectively establish one single channel for the reviewing of requests and
recommendations (Head of Supported Housing) and one single channel for
approvals, i.e., The Chief Executive Officer. Both will operate within
parameters established by the Board of Directors.
9.3 The Board of Directors will retain the option to review any request or issue
which it may feel merits its direct consideration without recourse to the
policies and governance structures identified in this policy document. These
initiatives will not fall under the financial framework of this programme.
10. Reporting
The established reporting framework is as follows:
� The Head of Supported Housing will forward a monthly report to the
Chief Executive Officer, outlining all commitments undertaken during
the month under the Authority’s Supported Housing Framework, giving
an updated budget position.
Annex 1
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Definitions
1. Voluntary Organisation
With reference to the NGO profile established by the Non-Governmental
Organisations Project Selections Committee of the Ministry for Social Policy, a
voluntary organisation requesting funds should:
• Be a not-for-profit organisation;
• Present an updated list of the directors and/or management Board;
• Have a good track record of (a) being committed to providing quality
service; (b) adhering to the principles of equal opportunities; (c)
applying official Government policies related to the social sector; and
(d) abiding to legislation and regulation;
• Have credentials in management, past performance, professional
competence, and also a programme leader with a good track record
and the required experience;
• Demonstrate that it works towards the strengthening of formal and
informal networks of similarly oriented NGOs to address common
concerns;
• Demonstrate that it does not solely rely on Government funds and that
it makes efforts to raise funds form other sources (e.g. fund raising
activities, fees, donations, acquisition of in-kind goods and services);
• Show a commitment to the recruitment, training and retention of
volunteers and is well organised to make best use of their services;
• Introduce, if not available, a handbook of operational policies and
procedures which will be made available for staff;
• Have the capability to adapt and respond to the emerging needs of
service users;
• Give value to service accessibility and to involvement of service users;
• Have, in previous years, submitted documents as requested by the
Housing Authority in a timely, complete, correct and efficient manner.
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(This does not apply to first-time applicants)
2. Assistance
(a) the provision of one or more premises, by sale or lease; when premises are
given on lease a subsidy of 40% on the commercial rent shall be given;