HOUSYOUNG aims to generate new knowledge about municipal housing initiatives for young people transitioning from youth to adulthood. Despite the increasing number of children and young people in such housing in Norway, this field is under-researched.

HOUSYOUNG is a collaboration between Norwegian and international researchers, the State Governor, the Housing Bank, and six municipalities who have established or are establishing the “Foyer” housing model combining accommodation with integrated support services and cross-sector collaboration. Most users come from child welfare backgrounds, with the goal of helping them eventually live independently. The Foyer model is an international concept but its impact and the experiences of its young inhabitants in Norway have not been previously studied.

The main objective of the project is to develop effective models for including youth with complex needs through “own home” models with integrated support and collaborative action among various welfare service providers. The aim is to improve welfare solutions for youth at risk. Secondary objectives include:

•             Developing a theoretical understanding of housing and home as lived experiences and their impact on vulnerable youth.

•             Understanding the role of housing in cross-professional collaboration for youth with complex needs, identifying factors that promote or hinder such collaboration, and understanding young people’s experiences of this collaboration.

•             Enhancing knowledge on how this social innovation spreads within municipalities and evolves as a sustainable solution tailored to future challenges and local contexts.

The project uses a multimethod design, including surveys, interviews, and participatory observation. Collaborators will participate in a learning network to share experiences and communicate findings. A youth panel, consisting of individuals with experience in housing initiatives, will provide guidance to researchers and practitioners throughout the project.