Erasmus+ KA2
WOOH – The Way Out of Homelessness was a transnational project between ASP Città di Bologna – Municipality of Bologna (Italy) and the Municipality of Norrköping (Sweden). The project aimed to strengthen the skills, methodologies and shared professional approaches of social workers supporting people experiencing multiple exclusion homelessness through the Housing First model.
Multiple exclusion homelessness affects people facing severe and interconnected challenges that go beyond the lack of housing, including mental and physical health issues, substance misuse, experiences of violence, and deep social exclusion. Addressing these situations required integrated, rights-based and person-centred approaches, as well as continuous professional learning and exchange.
Through seminars, study visits, peer exchange and joint reflection, WOOH created a structured space for comparing practices, identifying challenges and success factors, and improving support services for people with complex needs.
The general objective of the project was to enhance the skills and methodologies of social workers in supporting people experiencing multiple exclusion homelessness through the Housing First model.
The specific objectives were:
The project was built around transnational exchange and mutual learning between Bologna and Norrköping.
A central component of the project was the organisation of two transnational seminars, which represented key moments of exchange and learning, bringing together social workers and professionals to deepen their understanding of the Housing First model and its practical implementation.
From 21 to 23 May 2025, in Norrköping, participants took part in a three-day training seminar focused on strengthening the Housing First approach through the sharing of practices, strategies and real-life experiences. The programme combined lectures, study visits and peer exchange, including contributions from experts from Lund University and visits to local services such as Gränden and Elsa, as well as meetings with Hyresbostäder and the non-profit organisation Hela Människan. The seminar provided valuable insights into local implementation, highlighting both success factors and ongoing challenges, including social inclusion, addiction and domestic violence.
From 19 to 21 November 2025, in Bologna, the seminar “Empowering Communities through Social Housing” offered an in-depth exploration of the local welfare system and housing policies, with a specific focus on Housing First and integrated support services. Through presentations and site visits to key centres such as Scalo 051, Fuori Binario, the Beltrame–Sabatucci Reception Centre and Il Pallone, participants gained first-hand insight into adult reception services, transitional housing solutions, social-healthcare integration and emergency support for families.
Together, these seminars created a strong space for mutual learning and professional exchange, contributing to the development of a cross-border community of practice among social workers.
In addition to the seminars, the project included:
The Guidelines: Integrated Pathways for Continuous Learning and Support in Multiple Exclusion Homelessness represent the main outcome of the WOOH project, bringing together the knowledge, practices and insights developed through the collaboration between Bologna and Norrköping. The document offers a structured overview of how the Housing First model can be implemented in different contexts through shared learning and transnational exchange.
The guidelines emphasise the importance of integrated and person-centred approaches, where housing is combined with coordinated social, health and community-based support. Key elements include inter-institutional collaboration, case management, outreach work and the development of trust-based relationships with service users, all essential to addressing complex and multidimensional forms of homelessness.
By comparing different welfare systems and operational models, the guidelines provide practical recommendations and transferable practices. They aim to support social workers and practitioners in strengthening their daily work, improving service delivery and fostering long-term social inclusion for people experiencing multiple exclusion homelessness.
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