Why Supported Housing Is Crucial: Rebuilding Lives, One Home at a Time
By Keely Dalfen, CEO of The Brick
At The Brick, we work with people facing homelessness, poverty, and crisis every single day. Over the years, one truth has become increasingly clear: safe, supported housing isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
There’s a common misconception that homelessness ends when someone receives the keys to a property. While a roof over someone’s head is a critical first step, it’s only the beginning. Without support, too many people fall through the cracks and find themselves back at square one.
That’s why supporting people with compassion and dignity and equipping people with life skills is at the heart of everything we do.
Supported housing provides more than shelter. It offers the stability, care, and guidance people need to address the challenges that led to homelessness in the first place. For some, it means support with mental health or addiction recovery. For others, it might involve exploring a talent, managing finances, or navigating the benefits system.
Every person’s story is unique — and so is the support they need.
“Supported housing is more than just a roof over someone’s head — it’s the foundation for rebuilding lives. At The Brick, we see every day how stable, compassionate support empowers people to move beyond homelessness, address complex needs, and rediscover hope. It’s not just housing — it’s the beginning of lasting change.”
— Keely Dalfen, CEO of The Brick
Our supported housing services are designed around the individual. We walk alongside people, not ahead of them. We help create a pathway to independence, not dependency. The journey may take time, but with the right support, people can and do rebuild their lives.
As the cost-of-living crisis deepens and more people find themselves on the brink, supported housing is more vital than ever. It’s a lifeline — one that saves not only lives but futures.
If we’re serious about ending homelessness for good, we must invest in more emergency shelters and supported housing schemes with a sustainable pathway to independence. We must invest in long-term, tailored support that enables people to thrive. Because everyone deserves the chance to feel safe, valued, and at home.
If you’d like to support The Brick’s supported housing projects or learn more about how you can get involved, please donate, volunteer, partner with us www.thebrick.org.uk.