From Harm to Home: An Interview with Louisa Steele on the Westminster Violence Against Women and Girls Housing First Project

This interview was conducted and written by Holly Ringrose, Business Support Officer, from the Housing team at Standing Together. In this discussion, Holly speaks with Louisa Steele, our Multiple Disadvantage and Homelessness Programme Manager, about the Westminster Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Housing First Project and its impact.

With so many women facing the devastating cycle of homelessness and abuse, now is the time to act. In anticipation of the upcoming launch of the Westminster Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Housing First Project, we are excited to present an insightful interview with Louisa Steele, our Multiple Disadvantage and Homelessness Programme Manager at Standing Together. 

Louisa is a passionate leader in the sector, combining years of experience in domestic abuse and homelessness services to drive real change. This conversation delves into the heart of our mission, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs encountered in our journey to support women facing multiple disadvantage, domestic abuse and homelessness. 

We invite you to join us in this dialogue, gain a deeper understanding of our work, and discover how you can be part of this vital initiative. 

The Journey into Housing First 

Q: Could you share the personal experiences or motivations that led you to become involved in the Westminster VAWG Housing First Project?  

Louisa Steele: I started my career in domestic abuse services before moving into the homelessness sector, working on a Housing First project in Camden. There, I supported both men and women with long-term homelessness and multiple disadvantage. When I joined Standing Together, I was eager to merge my expertise in both areas. It became clear that existing domestic abuse interventions needed adaptation for women with histories of homelessness, leading to the development of our Housing First and multiple disadvantage programme. Partnering with Westminster Council and Solace Women’s Aid, we launched a Housing First service that offers intensive, tailored support to survivors who have traditionally been excluded from mainstream services. 

Intersections of Homelessness and Abuse 

Q: In your experience, how do intersecting issues such as domestic abuse, mental health challenges, and substance misuse compound the difficulties faced by women experiencing homelessness? How does the Housing First model address these complexities? 

Louisa Steele: Women facing multiple disadvantage often struggle to access support because our systems are designed to address single issues—either homelessness, mental health, or substance use, but not all three together. Housing First breaks this cycle by providing wraparound, trauma-informed support. The key is stability: with safe housing in place, women have the foundation to engage with services, improve their well-being, and begin their recovery journey. The Housing First team act as advocates, helping women navigate complex systems and access the care they need. 

The Power of Collaboration 

Q: The success of the Housing First model often hinges on strong partnerships. Can you provide examples of how collaboration has enhanced the effectiveness of the Westminster VAWG Housing First Project? 

Louisa Steele: Collaboration is at the heart of this work. Our partnership with Solace Women’s Aid is significant, as they were the first domestic abuse provider to take on Housing First, which has traditionally been led by homelessness organisations. Beyond frontline support, our partnerships with housing providers are crucial. Housing is often the biggest barrier, so our Housing Coordination role ensures a close working relationship with landlords and associations. Regular meetings and training sessions help shift perceptions, so women with complex needs aren’t unfairly penalised for issues like domestic abuse-related tenancy breaches. 

Challenges and Overcoming Barriers 

Q: What significant challenges have arisen in implementing the Housing First model within the context of VAWG in Westminster, and how have these obstacles been overcome to ensure the resilience and success of the programme? 

Louisa Steele: Access to suitable housing remains a major hurdle. Housing providers have multiple competing priorities, and survivors of domestic abuse who have additional needs—such as substance use—often face stigma. One of our main goals has been educating housing providers, ensuring they recognise domestic abuse as a safety issue rather than just ‘anti-social behaviour.’ Another challenge is supporting women who are still in abusive relationships, but the Housing First team works tirelessly to provide non-judgmental, survivor-led support. 

Beyond Housing: Measuring Success 

Q: Beyond securing stable housing, what metrics or indicators do you consider when evaluating the success of the Housing First project in addressing the multiple disadvantages faced by women? 

Louisa Steele: Unlike traditional services that focus on rigid targets, Housing First takes a flexible approach. Success isn’t just about maintaining a tenancy—it’s about engagement. Are women accessing healthcare? Are they reaching out for domestic abuse support? Are they rebuilding relationships with family or children? Every step forward, no matter how small, is a win. The service adapts to the unique journey of each woman, recognizing that recovery is not linear. 

LIVE Podcast: From Harm to Home 

Q: What are your hopes for the upcoming From Harm to Home - Westminster Violence Against Women and Girls Housing First LIVE podcast event? 

Louisa Steele: This event is an incredible opportunity to bring together a wide audience—not just housing and homelessness professionals, but also those from criminal justice, health, and public policy sectors. We want to show how Housing First transforms lives and why a gendered approach is essential. My hope is that we influence decision-makers to see the long-term benefits of this model and encourage more joint commissioning of Housing First services. 

Future Aspirations 

Q: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the Westminster VAWG Housing First Project, and how do you envision its role in transforming the lives of women facing multiple disadvantages? 

Louisa Steele: I want to see all the women in our service housed in secure, appropriate accommodation, with the flexibility to move if needed. I also hope housing providers deepen their understanding of survivors with multiple disadvantage, ensuring they aren’t excluded from opportunities due to stigma. Beyond Westminster, I’d love to see our Housing Coordination model shared more widely. If we can demonstrate best practice, we can influence national policy and ensure more women across the UK receive the support they deserve. 

Be Part of the Change 

Louisa’s leadership and expertise are paving the way for more inclusive, survivor-centred housing solutions. The upcoming LIVE podcast event, ‘From Home to Home: The Westminster Housing First Experience,’ will be a vital platform to discuss the future of Housing First for women facing multiple disadvantage. 

We encourage our readers to engage with this interview, reflect on the stories and insights shared. Your involvement is crucial in creating a community where every woman has the opportunity to rebuild her life with dignity and hope. 

📢 Help us spread the word! Share this conversation with your networks and join us at From Harm to Home, our LIVE Podcast launch event. Book your place today and be part of the change - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-harm-to-home-the-westminster-vawg-housing-first-live-podcast-tickets-1252434999799?aff=oddtdtcreator