When considering what our values should be as a new organisation working in the homelessness sector, we considered every angle. We thought of clients we had worked with before, examples of clients who had gotten through their issue and were now living healthy and productive lives and what we considered to be strong examples of compassionate and consistent work. We came up with the below as our 8 values, that we feel sum up our aims, work style and organisation perfectly: 

ADAPTIVE is a crucial value when working with people recovering from homelessness because it recognises that each individual's journey is unique and dynamic, requiring flexible, personalised approaches to support their evolving needs. Being adaptive allows service providers to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges, cultural differences, and changing circumstances, fostering an environment of trust and resilience. It encourages innovative problem-solving and a willingness to adjust strategies to ensure that recovery efforts are relevant and empowering, ultimately helping individuals regain stability, confidence, and independence in a way that respects their pace and circumstances. is an essential value when working with people recovering from homelessness because recovery is often a complex and non-linear process that requires time, understanding, and consistent support. Demonstrating patience allows service providers to build trust, create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, and respect their pace of progress without pressure or judgment. It acknowledges that healing and stability take time and that setbacks are part of the journey. By being patient, we foster a compassionate environment that empowers people to regain confidence, develop resilience, and achieve lasting change at a pace that is right for them.

REALISTIC is a vital value when working with people recovering from homelessness because it ensures that goals and expectations are practical, achievable, and tailored to each individual's circumstances. Being realistic helps both service providers and clients to set manageable milestones, avoid frustration, and maintain motivation throughout the recovery process. It promotes honest communication about challenges and resources, fostering a sense of trust and clarity. By maintaining a realistic outlook, we can create sustainable plans that genuinely support long-term stability and empower individuals to progress steadily towards independence, avoiding the pitfalls of setting unmanageable or overly idealistic expectations.

TRANSPARENT is a crucial value when working with people recovering from homelessness because it fosters trust, honesty, and mutual respect throughout their journey and in the co-production of the organisation. By being open about processes, decisions, and challenges, we empower individuals to feel valued and genuinely involved in shaping the services they use, reinforcing their agency and ownership of their recovery. Transparency encourages clear communication, accountability, and shared understanding, which are vital for building strong relationships and ensuring that the organisation remains responsive to the real needs of those it serves. Ultimately, it helps create a collaborative environment where clients and staff work together as partners, fostering empowerment and continuous improvement.

INCLUSIVE is a fundamental value when working with people recovering from homelessness because it acknowledges the deep-rooted marginalization and feelings of being outcast that many individuals in this community have experienced over years of neglect and discrimination. Promoting inclusivity ensures that everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued regardless of their background, circumstances, or past experiences. It fosters a sense of belonging and safety, which are essential for healing and rebuilding confidence. By actively creating an inclusive environment, we challenge stigma, reduce barriers to access, and empower individuals to participate fully in their recovery and in shaping the services that support them, ultimately helping to restore their sense of dignity and community.

INDIVIDUAL is a crucial value when working with people recovering from homelessness because it recognizes that each person's journey, needs, and strengths are unique. Emphasizing the individual ensures that support is personalized, respectful, and responsive to their specific circumstances, preferences, and goals. It fosters a sense of dignity and empowerment, allowing people to take control of their recovery process and feel seen as more than just their homelessness experience. Valuing the individual helps build trust, encourages meaningful engagement, and ensures that interventions are effective, relevant, and supportive of lasting, positive change tailored to each person’s story.

Solution focused is an essential value when working with people recovering from homelessness because it emphasizes hope, resilience, and practical progress rather than dwelling on problems or past difficulties. By focusing on solutions, we help individuals identify their strengths, set achievable goals, and build confidence in their ability to create positive change. This approach encourages a forward-looking mindset, empowering people to move beyond barriers and develop sustainable strategies for stability and independence. It fosters a sense of optimism and agency, which are vital for recovery, helping individuals see their potential and take active steps towards rebuilding their lives.

Human connection is a vital value when working with people recovering from homelessness because it emphasizes building genuine, trusting relationships that prioritize the person's feelings, wishes, and individuality. By working in more relaxed, informal ways that feel less office-based, we create a safe and welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable and valued beyond just their circumstances. Taking the time to get to know them personally before diving into paperwork helps to restore dignity and show that we genuinely care about their story, not just their case details. Many individuals have experienced overwhelming amounts of paperwork and little attention to their emotional wellbeing, so our focus on human connection aims to shift that dynamic, fostering trust, understanding, and a sense of partnership in their recovery journey.