Economic, psychological and sociological circumstances impact people over the course of their lives. When people lose their homes it is usually at the end of a period of sustained difficulty and or a traumatic episode in their lives. People in these dilemmas are offered accommodation and their basic needs are addressed. A needs assessment is carried out in respect of each client’s health, social and housing need. This informs the exploration of housing options and care planning. The assessment is carried out by ACT key worker staff and with the assistance of the Statutory Multi-Disciplinary Homeless Action Team (H.A.T.). This team includes: Coordinator, Team Leader, Public Health Nurse, Psychiatric Community Nurse, Resettlement Officer, Tenancy Sustainment Officer, Community Welfare Officer D.S.P., Youth Worker, and Occupational Therapist Service.

The stability pathway outlines dimensions of support that the service provides. Each homeless persons circumstances are different and the categories of their need are identified in ongoing assessment and linked to the relevant support dimensions of the support stability pathway.

For people who have experienced lengthy periods of housing displacement or social problems which impacted on them in terms of “their brokenness” and instability , a tailored housing support mechanisms is put in place. The object is to help the person effected address difficulties, protect well being and tease out socialization or other issues and regain a level of stability. The Stability Pathway services are delivered to people in Thomond House, Altamira Long-term Housing, in seven units of ACT housing in Limerick City. It is also linked to former clientele in mainstream housing and under a preventative strategy to people at risk in the community.