Accommodate or Connect is exploring how Local Authorities can support people sleeping rough who do not have a local connection by either offering short-term accommodation and tailored support locally, supporting reconnection to areas where they do have a local connection, or supporting connections to areas where they wish to settle. 

How it’s being evaluated

The mix-methods thematic evaluation is combining a range of qualitative research methods as well as a review of monitoring data collected by LAs. This is alongside an economic evaluation which will consider the costs of the model.

Why this trial matters

When assessing whether a person who is sleeping rough is owed a duty under the Housing Act 1996, local authorities are entitled to determine whether the person has a local connection to the area. Where no local connection is established, authorities can refer applicants to another local authority where they do have a connection and are no longer required to provide relief support once the referral is made. This can particularly impact people whose experience of homelessness is long-term or repeated, or who have high support needs.

Despite this being a common challenge across homelessness services, there is currently limited robust evidence about which approaches lead to the best outcomes for people.

This project seeks to address that evidence gap by testing whether combining short-term accommodation with person-centred reconnection support can help people access safer and more sustainable housing pathways.

Project status

The intervention took place in 2025, with ongoing evaluation underway. We are expecting the results from this trial in late 2026.

You can sign up to the Test & Learn newsletter to stay up to date with this project.

‍