Tar Isteach Housing

Kilkenny Voluntary Housing Association (KVHA) clg, trading as Tar Isteach Housing was formed in 2019 as a voluntary housing association. Tar Isteach Housing works closely with its sister organisation the Good Shepherd Centre to provide longer term housing and tenancies with additional supports.  We share a common value structure, some shared resources and staff and operate through an MOU between both organisations.

Our mission is centered around providing quality and affordable housing with support to enable our residents achieve social inclusion.

Currently Tar Isteach Housing association owns 338 properties across eight counties and co-manages 56 properties on behalf of the Good Shepherd Centre delivering 439 tenancies to men, women and families. These housing solutions are built on innovative models of tenancy support and provide the housing support that forms the foundation of our other support programmes. You can read more about these programmes here:  https://www.creatinghome.ie/innovations

Our Mission
Our mission is centered around providing quality and affordable housing with support to enable our residents achieve social inclusion.

Context for our Services
Providing housing with support is crucial for people experiencing homelessness because it addresses not only their immediate need for shelter but also their long-term well-being and integration into society. Stable housing, combined with tailored support services, enables individuals to stabilise their lives, improve their health, and regain their independence. 

We provide housing to individuals over 18 years of age and to families from the local authorities’ allocation list for social housing.

We work to alleviate and/or prevent homelessness, we also work with elderly groups, disability groups, mental health groups and low-income families. Through this work we target people experiencing and/or at risk of homelessness, we have supported de-congregation of institutional settings for people with disabilities and mental health challenges respectively.

Tar Isteach Housing supports the national policy Housing for All and supports Health policy Slainte Care. Therefore, we are not a general needs housing provider only. In conjunction with housing management services, we provide vital tenancy sustainment services. We work in conjunction with service providers in relation to national aftercare for young people leaving care, Housing First for people experiencing chronic homelessness, disability, elderly, mental health and homeless service providers.

Key outcomes of housing provision with supports

Stabilisation and wellbeing

1. A Safe and secure environment - Housing provides a foundation for individuals to escape the dangers and instability of living on the streets.

2. Improved health outcomes - Stable housing, combined with access to healthcare and support services, can lead to better physical and mental health outcomes.

3. Reduced risk factors - Supportive housing can help reduce substance use, involvement in crime, and reliance on emergency services.

Personal Empowerment and Independence

1. Choice and control- Supportive housing models, like Housing First, prioritize individual choice and autonomy, allowing people to make decisions about their lives.

2. Social integration - Housing with support can facilitate participation in community life, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing social isolation.

3. Opportunity for growth - Stable housing allows individuals to pursue education, employment, and other opportunities for personal development.

Cost-Effectiveness

1. Reduced reliance on emergency services: Supportive housing can lead to decreased use of emergency rooms, shelters, and other crisis services.

2. Long-term savings: By addressing the root causes of homelessness, supportive housing can lead to long-term cost savings for communities.

Addressing Specific Needs

1. Targeted support: Supportive housing can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders.

2. Interagency collaboration: Effective housing with support programs often involve collaboration between housing providers, healthcare providers, and social service agencies.

A Human Rights Based Approach

1. Dignity and respect: Providing housing with support recognizes the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their housing status.

2. Social Justice: Addressing homelessness through housing with support promotes social justice by ensuring that everyone has access to a basic human need.

Housing with support is not just about providing a place to live; it's about creating an environment that fosters recovery, independence, and social inclusion for people experiencing homelessness. It's a crucial step towards ending homelessness and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Tar Isteach Housing are actively engaging in repair and lease schemes, acquisition, regeneration and turn key projects supporting Town Centre Initiatives. Our main source of capital support has been the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS).