A housing association’s work to support homeless people in St Albans not only helps vulnerable people get their lives back on track, but is also saving the health service, police and local authority nearly £600,000 a year, according to a new independent report.

The ‘Social Impact Report’ commissioned by Hightown Housing Association’s  and compiled by RSM Consulting work with the homeless is saving other agencies in St Albans almost £7,500 per person per year, split across healthcare (£300,000), policing (£80,000) and the local authority (£220,000).

The report highlights that homeless people are ten times less likely to be in employment than the general public, almost four times as likely to be admitted to hospital during a year, and stayed in hospital for an average of almost 13 days following an admission.

Individuals supported by Hightown need fewer hospital stays and are less demanding on police time, as well as claiming fewer benefits and being more likely to move into long-term accommodation.

Hightown runs three projects for homeless people in the St Albans area – Open Door, Kent House and Martin House. Between them they provide accommodation for up to 52 people, with each being offered tailored support and advice to give them the necessary social and life skills to move into independent living or employment.

Councillor Julian Daly, leader of St Albans City and District Council who is also responsible for resources, said: “Hightown do a tremendous amount of good work to support the district's homeless.  They help to rebuild peoples' lives and put them on a path towards a more settled and fulfilling existence.

"One of the hidden benefits of their work is its financial value to other agencies which would otherwise be faced with greater demands on their resources. This report shows that Hightown's services result in substantial 'added value' and yields savings for the NHS, the police and local government.”