Housing First: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:34, 16 February 2025

Housing First[edit]

Housing First is a policy approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness. It is based on the principle that housing is a basic human right and should not be contingent upon other factors such as sobriety or participation in treatment programs. This approach contrasts with traditional models that require individuals to address other issues before being granted housing.

Principles[edit]

The Housing First model is built on several core principles:

Immediate access to housing: Individuals are provided with housing without preconditions such as sobriety or treatment compliance.
Consumer choice and self-determination: Participants have a choice in the type of housing and services they receive.
Recovery orientation: The model supports recovery and wellness, offering services that are not mandatory but available to those who choose to engage.
Individualized and client-driven supports: Services are tailored to the needs of the individual, respecting their autonomy and preferences.
Social and community integration: Efforts are made to integrate individuals into the community, reducing isolation and promoting social connections.

Implementation[edit]

Housing First programs have been implemented in various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Finland. Each program adapts the core principles to fit local contexts and needs.

United States[edit]

In the United States, Housing First has been adopted in many cities as part of efforts to reduce chronic homelessness. Programs often involve partnerships between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and housing providers.

Canada[edit]

Canada's "At Home/Chez Soi" project is one of the largest Housing First initiatives, demonstrating significant success in reducing homelessness and improving quality of life for participants.

Finland[edit]

Finland is often cited as a success story for Housing First, having significantly reduced homelessness through a national strategy that includes the construction of new housing units and the conversion of shelters into permanent housing.

Challenges[edit]

While Housing First has been successful in many areas, it faces challenges such as:

Funding: Securing sustainable funding for housing and support services can be difficult.
Housing availability: In areas with limited affordable housing, finding suitable units can be a barrier.
Community resistance: Some communities may resist the establishment of Housing First programs due to misconceptions about homelessness.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Housing First
+== Housing First ==
-Housing First is a [[homelessness]] assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness. It is based on the belief that people need basic necessities like food and a place to live before attending to anything less critical, such as getting a job, budgeting properly, or attending to substance use issues. Housing First is guided by the principle that housing is a basic human right.
+[[File:Nahkatehtaankatu_7_Oulu_20151212.JPG|thumb|right|A Housing First facility in Oulu, Finland]]
-== History ==
+'''Housing First''' is a policy approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness. It is based on the principle that housing is a basic human right and should not be contingent upon other factors such as sobriety or participation in treatment programs. This approach contrasts with traditional models that require individuals to address other issues before being granted housing.
-The Housing First model was developed in the early 1990s by Dr. [[Sam Tsemberis]] in New York City. The approach was a response to the traditional "treatment first" models that required individuals to address issues such as [[mental health]] or [[substance abuse]] before being eligible for housing. Tsemberis founded the organization [[Pathways to Housing]], which implemented the Housing First model and demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing homelessness among individuals with severe mental illness.
 == Principles ==
-Housing First is based on several core principles:
-. '''Immediate access to housing with no readiness conditions''': Individuals are not required to demonstrate "housing readiness" by participating in treatment or sobriety programs before being housed.
+The Housing First model is built on several core principles:
-. '''Consumer choice and self-determination''': Participants have a choice in the location and type of housing they receive, as well as the services they wish to engage in.
+* '''Immediate access to housing''': Individuals are provided with housing without preconditions such as sobriety or treatment compliance.
+* '''Consumer choice and self-determination''': Participants have a choice in the type of housing and services they receive.
+* '''Recovery orientation''': The model supports recovery and wellness, offering services that are not mandatory but available to those who choose to engage.
+* '''Individualized and client-driven supports''': Services are tailored to the needs of the individual, respecting their autonomy and preferences.
+* '''Social and community integration''': Efforts are made to integrate individuals into the community, reducing isolation and promoting social connections.
-. '''Recovery orientation''': The model supports recovery and community integration, focusing on individual strengths and goals.
+== Implementation ==
+Housing First programs have been implemented in various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Finland. Each program adapts the core principles to fit local contexts and needs.
+=== United States ===
-. '''Individualized and client-driven supports''': Services are tailored to the needs of the individual and are voluntary.
+In the United States, Housing First has been adopted in many cities as part of efforts to reduce chronic homelessness. Programs often involve partnerships between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and housing providers.
-. '''Social and community integration''': Housing is integrated into the community, and individuals are encouraged to participate in community life.
+=== Canada ===
-== Implementation ==
+Canada's "At Home/Chez Soi" project is one of the largest Housing First initiatives, demonstrating significant success in reducing homelessness and improving quality of life for participants.
-Housing First programs typically involve the following steps:
-. '''Outreach and engagement''': Identifying and engaging individuals experiencing homelessness.
+=== Finland ===
-. '''Housing placement''': Providing immediate access to permanent housing, often with the assistance of housing subsidies.
+Finland is often cited as a success story for Housing First, having significantly reduced homelessness through a national strategy that includes the construction of new housing units and the conversion of shelters into permanent housing.
-. '''Supportive services''': Offering a range of voluntary services, including case management, mental health services, and substance use treatment.
+== Challenges ==
-. '''Ongoing support''': Ensuring continued support to maintain housing stability and address any emerging needs.
+While Housing First has been successful in many areas, it faces challenges such as:
-== Effectiveness ==
+* '''Funding''': Securing sustainable funding for housing and support services can be difficult.
-Research has shown that Housing First is effective in reducing homelessness and improving housing stability. Studies have demonstrated that individuals in Housing First programs are more likely to remain housed compared to those in traditional programs. Additionally, Housing First has been associated with improvements in mental health, reductions in substance use, and increased quality of life.
+* '''Housing availability''': In areas with limited affordable housing, finding suitable units can be a barrier.
+* '''Community resistance''': Some communities may resist the establishment of Housing First programs due to misconceptions about homelessness.
-== Criticisms ==
+== Related pages ==
-While Housing First has been widely praised, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of homelessness, such as poverty and lack of affordable housing. Others express concern about the cost of providing permanent housing and supportive services.
-== Also see ==
 * [[Homelessness]]
 * [[Supportive housing]]
-* [[Mental health]]
+* [[Social work]]
-* [[Substance abuse]]
+* [[Public health]]
-* [[Affordable housing]]
 {{Homelessness}}
-{{Social issues}}
 [[Category:Homelessness]]
-[[Category:Social programs]]
+[[Category:Social policy]]
-[[Category:Housing]]