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.

History

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Recovery orientation: The model supports recovery and community integration, focusing on individual strengths and goals.

4. Individualized and client-driven supports: Services are tailored to the needs of the individual and are voluntary.

5. Social and community integration: Housing is integrated into the community, and individuals are encouraged to participate in community life.

Implementation

Housing First programs typically involve the following steps:

1. Outreach and engagement: Identifying and engaging individuals experiencing homelessness.

2. Housing placement: Providing immediate access to permanent housing, often with the assistance of housing subsidies.

3. Supportive services: Offering a range of voluntary services, including case management, mental health services, and substance use treatment.

4. Ongoing support: Ensuring continued support to maintain housing stability and address any emerging needs.

Effectiveness

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.

Criticisms

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
• Substance abuse
• Affordable housing