Scoping review of academic research on Housing First in the Nordic countries

The Housing First model has gained significant academic attention in Europe in recent decades. This scoping review addresses a research problem in the literature by analysing the state of academic research on Housing First in the Nordic countries. The study identifies relevant research through database searches (Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest). A total of 29 articles were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis. Key findings reveal that research in the Nordic countries is primarily practice-oriented, focusing on the evaluation of outcomes, effectiveness, adaptation to local contexts, and the experiences of beneficiaries and practitioners. The analysis highlights three key opposing perspectives within the Housing First model: homelessness is seen either as a ‘pathology’ or as a result of systemic marginalization; housing is framed as either a treatment for this ‘pathology’ or a component of harm reduction; and the State is viewed as either a facilitator of homelessness solutions or a barrier that should be replaced by community-driven initiatives. The first opposing perspective on the framing of homelessness as a problem informs the other opposing perspectives. The results of the research suggest that the focus on practice-oriented solutions tends to overlook the structural causes of homelessness, leading to contradictions in the model’s application and potentially failing to meet the diverse needs of the homeless population. Future research should broaden its scope by including diverse sources, conducting international reviews, and deepening theoretical analysis to better understand how Housing First addresses the root causes of homelessness.