Collaborative Housing Strategies: The Case of “Widespread Reception” by Caritas Diocesana in Rome

Homelessness is a long-standing issue, but only recently has it become relevant on the Italian and international political agenda. The latest data show that the phenomenon is growing and that policies to combat it have often proved ineffective. The traditional responses in our country have been limited to the provision and organisation of low-threshold reception services (staircase model). Only recently have some alternative services based on the “Housing First” model been trialled. The literature emphasises that the complexity of the homeless situation requires an integrated approach to the individual, which can create a stable network of multi-professional interventions. At the same time, interventions must promote the recovery or development of people’s skills and abilities when these are limited or compromised. In this context, in 2015, Caritas Rome launched the “Accoglienza diffusa” (Widespread Reception) project. The initiative is based on the principle that the path to inclusion involves building stable social networks that support personal empowerment. This contribution presents the initial results of this initiative. These show that the project is developing Welfare Communities in some areas of Rome, characterised by a stable local network of support and assistance for vulnerable individuals, involving public institutions, social enterprises, families and parishes.