A new impact report from the Wise Group shows the improved outcomes and cost-effectiveness of integrating two evidence-based solutions, Housing First and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment support.
We know from evidence, data and years of experience in communities that both Housing First and IPS employment support work. The report, Integrated Housing First and IPS employment support: A model of impact, shows that combining them is even more effective.
Through Wise Group entities, The People’s Project and Workwise, we have integrated Housing First and IPS employment support to address both homelessness and unemployment need simultaneously, in a small prototype.
The report conducts an economic evaluation using Treasury’s cost-benefit analysis tool (CBAx), which was peer reviewed by Motu Research. Based on public funding of approximately $30,000 per person per year, the CBAx cost-benefit analysis shows a return of $3.15 for every $1 invested in the integrated approach.
This analysis only counts direct, measurable impacts such as improved mental health, reduced welfare payments, improved living conditions and health service utilisation and reduced justice system costs. There are many other benefits – like increased productivity, stronger community connections, and reduced child poverty – that were not included in the calculation.
We are sharing the report widely. The natural next step is to scale up this integrated model, with public system support, expanding it to multiple Housing First and IPS providers in the sector with further evaluation built in, to continue to evidence the positive outcomes for people and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you are interested in reading the full report, please email Dr Helen Lockett, Te Kaiārahi Pūtaiao – Chief Science Advisor for the Wise Group for a digital copy: helen.lockett@wisegroup.co.nz.
Published on: 2 October 2025