The People’s Project (TPP) in Hamilton (NZ) is a collaborative effort between 13 local organisations which takes a Housing First approach to homelessness. A Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment funded collaboration between the Universities of Waikato and Otago and TPP has allowed the gathering of evidence regarding the Housing First approach to homelessness in Hamilton, the people served, and their engagement in services in the years leading up to registering for support. A better understanding of the sociodemographic characteristics, as well as the specific needs and experiences of this cohort, helps to consider how to most appropriately implement the principles of Housing First to meet the requirements of the local population and contex.