Substance Use Disorder & MAT

My name is Matt Tice, and I’m the Practice Clinical Director of Pathways to Housing PA. I’ve spent much of the last 3 years training dozens people on overdose prevention and reversal given the nature of my work. I’ve helped build a program designed to support folks coming from long term homelessness, opioid use, and major trauma to transition into their own apartments with no preconditions. I work with a group of incredible committed folks who fight every day supporting people’s survival. Even in all that I’d never had to do a reversal myself.

How a local pharmacy in North Philadelphia goes above and beyond to support people transitioning out of homelessness

Fastening a seatbelt before driving a vehicle, applying sunscreen before a day at the beach, and putting on a helmet before riding a bicycle are strategies many use to reduce the harm associated with potentially risky every day activities. The desire to stay safe is a natural instinct, particularly when the health and wellness of ourselves and those around us may be at risk. Recognizing this risk and taking steps to protect ourselves is the foundation of harm reduction.

Our most basic needs for survival are food, water, warmth, and rest, but a person is only able to maintain these things if they first have safety and security. Housing First is a philosophical approach that says, let’s start with a permanent place to live.

Those closest to the problem are closest to the solutions.

This week we explore Team 7, our exciting new team dedicated to surviving one of Philadelphia's most vulnerable homeless populations; those struggling with persistent opioid addiction.

Pathways to Housing PA is honored and exited to announce our new team, specifically serving homeless individuals caught up in our nations devastating opioid-epidemic.