Why Housing First?
As an evidence-based practice, Housing First has not only been proven successful in ending homelessness...
but is also embraced as the most cost-effective solution.
The Housing First philosophy provides individuals with immediate housing, without precondition, and subsequently incorporates supportive treatment services in the areas of mental and physical health, substance use, education, and employment. Housing is provided in market-rate apartments scattered throughout a city or town. This scattered site model promotes a sense of self-determination, and helps speed the reintegration of clients into their communities. Other site-based or grouped-unit housing models have worked in areas with limited rental housing stock, and for targeted populations. Either way, the Housing First model shows that immediate access to housing, paired with appropriate support services, equals success! You can find lots of supporting research here.
Read more about Housing First and how it works on our blog.