At Outcomes Star, we’re a small social enterprise with a big mission: to support people and services in making meaningful change. Since launching the original Homelessness Star, back in 2003, we’ve been proud to see it become a trusted tool across the homelessness and housing sector in the UK – embedded in In-Form and used by thousands of practitioners to enable person-centred and holistic support. For many organisations working in the sector, the Homelessness Star has been a familiar and reliable way of supporting people and being able to evidence meaningful change.
It’s been a journey. Over the years, we’ve grown, listened, and learned, developing more than 40 different Stars across sectors ranging from mental health to parenting. Each one has been shaped by deep collaboration with frontline services and a commitment to making tools that truly work for the people who use them.
The Need for Change
The world of housing and homelessness support has shifted dramatically in recent years. Services have evolved. We know the challenges that people being supported face have grown more complex. We’ve developed a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact on people. We’ve seen a widening of approaches for interventions, alongside increasing pressures due to housing shortages and economic instability.
With the sector evolving, the Star couldn’t stand still.
Introducing the Home Star
In April 2022 we launched the Home Star, a new and improved version of the Outcomes Star for housing and related needs. This version is the result of extensive feedback from the sector, learning from the development of over 40 other Stars, and a wide-ranging consultation process involving large providers, local authorities, charities, and people with lived experience.
Feedback highlighted the need for a tool that better reflects:
- The increasing complexity of client needs
- The growing number of women and families accessing services
- The impact of external factors such as housing shortages and economic pressures
- The importance of language that is sensitive to people’s experience of trauma and is person-centred.
The Result
The review process led to the creation of the Home Star, a more inclusive, trauma-informed, and responsive tool that reflects the realities faced by people today. It also comes with more engaging and accessible resources, including:
- Updated outcome areas and Journey of Change stages
- Illustrated Flashcards and simplified Scales
- Language that acknowledges systemic barriers and empowers service users.
Because of these substantial changes, the Home Star has been published as a new version of the Star. That means organisations using the old Homelessness Star will need to switch. We’re proud of the improvements and confident that the Home Star will better support both practitioners and the people they work with. We’re keen to help organisations make a smooth transition.
“It is much more person-focused and I think the new language being used is so positive.”
Practitioner, St Mungo’s
“Really like the flashcards – they’ll help staff when working with young people who don’t speak English.”
Practitioner, YMCA
Supporting the Transition
As part of our partnership with In-Form, we’ve worked together communicating to users about the change. We’ve already delivered two webinars introducing the Home Star and explaining how to switch, which were well attended and generated significant interest. And many organisations have already made the move.
Training and Support
We know that switching tools can feel daunting. But teams using the Home Star have found the transition smooth and empowering.
While training isn’t mandatory, we recommend refresher sessions to ensure staff feel confident and supported. We offer flexible options to suit different needs, along with guidance on:
- Updating internal materials
- Reporting across Star versions
- Communicating the change to stakeholders and service users.
“We were expecting a bit of a learning curve, but honestly, the transition was incredibly smooth. The training was spot-on, and our team felt confident using the Home Star almost immediately.”
One YMCA, Manager
Want to Know More?
If your organisation is considering the switch, now is an ideal time. The Home Star has been well received by practitioners, managers, and service users alike and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We are also running webinar on 8th September 2026, where you can find out more.
If you want to get the Home Star please raise a case in your In-Form system.
📧 Contact: dawn@outcomesstar.org
🌐 Visit: https://outcomesstar.org/home-star/
