The results are in for Aspire — the first Australian social impact bond to address chronic homelessness. Aspire provided three years of intensive treatment and support for 575 people with a history of chronic homelessness.
As reported in PHYS.ORG, an evaluation by experts from the Center for Social Impact at Flinders University and the University of Western Australia, found many major achievements from the ‘intensive wraparound’ program1. Services included included help with securing stable housing and support for trauma, disability, or tri-morbidity issues (co-existing physical, mental health and drug and alcohol issues).
The use of a social impact bond2 allowed participants quick access to broad array of services. Some of them had attempted to escape homelessness before, but had failed so often they had given up trying. Aspire was a measurably strong success for the participants, and ensured a significant saving of public funds.
For details on the ambitious objectives of Aspire, together with the details of its application as well as its successes, read more in PHYS.ORG: Bold new model breaks homelessness cycle
Footnotes
- The evaluation is available on line at APO: Evaluation of the Aspire Social Impact Bond: Final Report
- For more on social impact bonds try: Supportive Housing In Denver Helps Lift Homeless Towards Housing
