Excellence in preventing homelessness

• Project name: Temp to Perm “Flipping Tenancies”
• Lead organisation: Tai Tarian & Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Statement of support

Background

The Temp to Perm “Flipping Tenancies” Process is a pioneering partnership between Tai Tarian and NPTCBC, created to reduce homelessness by converting temporary accommodation into secure, long-term tenancies.

Developed during the height of the housing and cost of living crises in Wales, this innovative model provides a lasting solution for vulnerable households, helping them move from crisis to stability.

When the Welsh government lifted the “priority need” threshold during the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for emergency accommodation more than doubled. Families and individuals often became stuck in temporary housing for extended periods, with disruption to children’s education, employment opportunities, and vital community connections.

Recognising that no single organisation could resolve this challenge alone, Tai Tarian and NPTCBC joined forces to deliver a bold, proactive solution: flipping suitable temporary tenancies into permanent homes.

The process

A seven-step pathway ensures each tenancy conversion is consistent, fair, and centred on the tenant’s needs:

1. Identification – cases flagged by housing and prevention teams or Tai Tarian based on stability and circumstances.
2. Joint visit assessment – combined property inspection, tenant conversation, and support/financial assessments.
3. Case report – joint recommendation outlining tenancy status and support needs.
4. Management review – internal management decisions from both partners.
5. Pre-sign-up checks – property compliance, WHQS checks, and benefit/utilities updates.
6. Sign-up – confirmation of tenancy, discharge of homelessness duty, and assignment of tenancy officer.
7. Monitoring and evaluation – Six-week review visit, client feedback, and data analysis for continuous improvement.

This structure embeds accountability, consistency, and person-centred support at every stage.

Client voice

Residents describe the process as:

• “Life-changing.”
• “Stress-reducing.”
• “Giving us stability we’ve never had before.”

These testimonials highlight not just the practical outcomes, but the dignity, security, and hope restored through this approach.

Case study

Ms A and her young daughter were staying in temporary accommodation leased to the local authority from a RSL. Ms A had an history of unsettled and unsafe accommodation and was a survivor of domestic violence. 

Ms A quickly settled in the property, found local employment and her daughter was in education within walking distance. She felt safe in the community, formed relationships with neighbours and it helped with her anxiety and her daughter's development. She was in a strong position to be matched to the property if let via Homes By Choice letting scheme but only suitable property available through the scheme at that time was a few miles away. 

Flipping the tenancy was considered, the process followed, and the decision was made to approve the tenancy to be flipped. The property was affordable for Ms A and she was settled in the area. It also benefited the RSL in reducing voids costs as well as creating stability in a community where there had been some previous unrest. 

The property that Ms A had matched through Homes by Choice could then be leased to provide more suitable temporary accommodation to other homelessness clients.

Outcomes and achievements

Impact and outcomes

The Temp to Perm model delivers multiple outcomes:

• Stability – Tenants retain their homes, possessions, schools, jobs, and local support networks.
• Efficiency – Void periods are eliminated, easing pressure on housing stock.
• Sustainability – Residents move from crisis into secure, long-term housing without further disruption.
• Partnership working – A strong, transparent collaboration between Tai Tarian and NPTCBC, with joint governance and ongoing review.

Client voice

Residents describe the process as:

• “Life-changing.”
• “Stress-reducing.”
• “Giving us stability we’ve never had before.”

These testimonials highlight not just the practical outcomes, but the dignity, security, and hope restored through this approach.

This initiative not only addresses immediate housing needs but also delivers long-term security, reduces repeat homelessness, and creates a replicable model of excellence for Wales and beyond.

As a partnership, we have successfully completed four tenancy flips to date, each representing a household prevented from returning to homelessness—and a life transformed.

Why this deserves recognition

The Temp to Perm model is an innovative and person-centred approach that prevents and relieves homelessness effectively while preserving dignity.

It directly addresses one of the most pressing housing challenges in Wales.

It strengthens communities by allowing families to remain in place, maintaining social and educational stability.

It optimises public resources by eliminating void periods and reducing repeat homelessness.

• Project name: Innovative Housing Development - Tackling Homelessness
• Lead organisation: Tai Tarian

Statement of support

In response to the rising complexity of homelessness, Tai Tarian recently introduced a unique housing development officer role, designed to bridge the gap between property development and homelessness prevention.

This role proactively sources suitable housing solutions for individuals and families with complex needs who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and would not be suitable for traditional temporary accommodation solutions or traditional allocation processes.

In recent years, the landscape of homelessness has shifted, with increasing numbers of people experiencing complex needs including mental health issues, domestic abuse, substance dependency, physical health needs. Traditional housing models often failed to meet these urgent, nuanced needs – resulting in delayed support and prolonged homelessness.

Tai Tarian recognised that to meet the needs of these complex households, they needed to take a new approach to homelessness prevention, embedding it in their housing development process. As a result, a dedicated housing development officer role was created, dedicated to responding directly to these challenges.

The innovation

The housing development officer role is unique in its scope and focus. The officer acts as a bridge between frontline housing services and strategic development planning with some key responsibilities, which include:

• Source and review property acquisition opportunities from open market adverts and direct contact leads
• Evaluate suitability of properties
• Calculate anticipated financial contributions from Welsh government grant and from the business per acquisition, using Welsh government and internal viability tools
• Liaise with the local authority relating to stock types required to meet demand and levels of grant allocation, negotiating with vendors and agents
• View and research potential acquisitions
• Liaise with solicitors, conveyancers, valuers, surveyors and other professionals in connection with all property acquisition matters 
• Arrange the application, acceptance and claim, of the Welsh government grant
• Review data in relation to property demand, and make recommendations around property type, property size and location of future developments
• Liaise with colleagues, applicants, tenants, and specialist advisors such as occupational therapists in order to advise and inform the features required in any new build schemes to ensure tenancies are sustainable
• Proactively identify and be alert to housing need cases that can not be met through our existing stock, and contribute to discussions around how this need may be met
• Research and contribute to discussions on the on-going management model of new developments
• The role is not just filling a gap – its redefining the role of housing providers in responding to the homelessness crisis. By combining strategic development insight with a commitment to assisting vulnerable households, this role is helping people into the right housing solution.

It’s a model that others in the sector can learn from and replicate!

Outcomes and achievements

Case study

Tai Tarian received a referral from the LA’s Community Occupational Therapy and Sensory Support Service. The case concerned a family with five children all with complex needs who were existing tenants of Tai Tarian however due to disabilities and medical conditions their home was no longer suitable. 

Numerous recommendations were made in terms of the features any property would require, and it was clear that we did not hold such a property within our stock.

The search began for a suitable property on the open market, eventually a six bedroom property was identified which all involved agreed would meet the needs of the family with just some minor adaptions.

The property was acquired using the Welsh Government Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme (TACP) funding. A condition of this programme was that any family who benefited from it must be deemed either homeless or potentially homeless. Although the family had a home the current property was unsuitable and did not meet the needs of the family, therefore they were accepted as being statutory homeless. This being the case the TACP conditions were met. An application was made for the grant which would provide 70 per cent of the purchase price and Tai Tarian proceeded to purchase the property with a contribution of the remainder of the cost.

The sale was completed and following some further works the family completed the move and are now happily settling into their new home.

• Project name: Rebuilding Futures: The Ty Catwg Approach
• Lead organisation: Taff Housing
• Partner organisation: Vale of Glamorgan Council

Statement of support

Ty Catwg provides supported temporary accommodation for individuals aged 16+ who experience complex needs and are at risk of homelessness. The amazing on-site team provides not only life-changing but lifesaving services to some of South Wales' most vulnerable young people. 

At Ty Catwg, we believe in empowering individuals to rebuild their lives. Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to offer a safe haven where residents can find stability, support, and hope. We understand that each person's journey is unique, and we tailor our services to meet their specific needs. 

Our comprehensive support includes mental health services, substance misuse support, and assistance with education and employment. We also offer life skills training, helping residents develop the tools they need to live independently. Our goal is to provide a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of homelessness and helps individuals build a brighter future. 

One of the key aspects of our work is fostering a sense of community. We encourage residents to participate in group activities and support each other through their journeys. This sense of belonging is crucial in helping individuals regain their confidence and self-worth. 

Our team is committed to continuous improvement and regularly seeks feedback from residents to ensure our services are meeting their needs. We also collaborate with local organisations and agencies to provide a network of support that extends beyond our accommodation. 

Ty Catwg's impact is evident in the success stories of our residents. Many have gone on to secure stable housing, gain employment, and rebuild relationships with their families. These achievements are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and the resilience of the individuals we support. 

In conclusion, Ty Catwg is more than just a place to stay; it is a place where lives are transformed, and futures are rebuilt. We are proud of the positive impact we have on our community and remain committed to supporting those in need. 

Our impact is evident in the feedback the team have received from some of the residents: 
Firstly, I would like to thank you for this opportunity as it has changed my life for the better. I was street homeless with addiction and mental health issues. Since being here, I barely drink at all, have a gf, look after her children, go to the gym, look forward to life again and am looking to get a job in the near future. 

The accommodation is of excellent quality being brand new, all fixtures and fittings feel of quality and is a nice place to live. 

I did really appreciate being made to feel I could make the space my own and they even installed hangers for my pictures which is fantastic. 

Regarding feeling safe, I truly feel safe here I have a lockable front door the staff always ask if they need to come in and give notice. The camera front door adds to that security. 
Regarding suitability, I feel this space and location is perfect. I have room to grow my plants indoors and outdoors, I can be alone or with people as I need. The support room is a great quiet place to take support and also be alone and do my puzzle. 

I cant put into words how fantastic they (the staff) are from management to night staff. Everyone always has a smile and greets you asking how you are. They have helped me through some difficult times and laughed and supported me. I cannot write it but it means everything and your employee in charge of hiring needs a raise. I really love how they are and conduct themselves. 

Outcomes and achievements

The team works tirelessly to ensure from sign up to move on, and beyond, the service delivered is truly trauma informed. 

They have adopted a way of working that sees delivering services through a trauma-informed lens, not just as their professional responsibility, but as a profound act of humanity. 

Their approach recognises that every person experiencing homelessness carries a story shaped by adversity, but also by resilience. By delivering trauma-informed services, they do more than meet immediate needs—they restore dignity, rebuild trust, and create the conditions for healing. They have made it their business to see trauma-informed care not just a method but as a commitment to seeing the whole person, understanding their journey, and walking alongside them as they reclaim hope. They know every compassionate interaction is a seed of change. 

When opening our hostel the team facilitated pre-move in visits, outreach sessions and informal introductions to key workers, and residents to help to build early rapport and reduce anxiety. They provided welcome packs co-designed with young people to explain rights, routines, and available support. Support planning is co-produced strengths base and reviewed regularly. In the first weeks they prioritised accessible, relationship-led support through consistent key worker presence, informal activities, and peer support.