Housing First
Housing first an evidence-based approach to addressing homelessness that prioritizes providing stable and permanent housing to individuals experiencing homelessness, without preconditions or requirements, such as sobriety or participation in treatment programs. The central principle of Housing First is that housing is a basic human right and a fundamental necessity for people to rebuild their lives and address other issues they may be facing, such as mental health challenges or substance use disorders.
What you need to know about Housing First
Housing First is not a “program” it is a system-wide approach to ending homelessness.
Housing First is a recognition that everyone can achieve stability in (real) housing. Some people simply need services to help them do so.
Housing First is about health, recovery, and well-being. Housing itself is the foundation and platform for achieving these goals.
Housing First has been shown to be highly effective in reducing homelessness, improving housing stability, and improving the well-being of individuals who have experienced homelessness.
Key Components and Principles of Housing First
Immediate Access to Housing: The primary goal of Housing First is to rapidly move individuals experiencing homelessness into permanent housing as quickly as possible. This approach bypasses the traditional practice of requiring individuals to meet certain criteria or complete programs before being offered housing.
No Preconditions: Housing First does not impose any prerequisites or conditions for individuals to obtain housing, such as sobriety or engagement in treatment. Housing is provided regardless of a person's current circumstances or challenges.
Client Choice: Housing First respects the autonomy and choices of individuals experiencing homelessness. They are given the freedom to choose their housing, location, and the type of support services they receive, if any.
Harm Reduction: Housing First acknowledges that individuals may have complex needs, including substance use disorders or mental health issues. Rather than demanding immediate sobriety, it promotes a harm reduction approach that helps individuals reduce the negative consequences of their behaviors while in housing.
Supportive Services: While Housing First does not make housing contingent on participation in services, it does offer optional, client-centered support services. These services are aimed at helping individuals stabilize in their housing and address other life challenges, such as employment, health care, and social integration.
Housing as a Platform: Housing is viewed as a platform from which individuals can work on their personal goals, which may include recovery, employment, education, and community integration.
Permanent Housing: Housing First emphasizes the provision of permanent, long-term housing rather than temporary or transitional options. Stability is key to helping individuals rebuild their lives.
Scattered-Site Housing: Housing First involves placing individuals in housing throughout the community, rather than only congregating them in a single facility.
Measurable Outcomes: Housing First programs often track outcomes related to housing stability, health, employment, and cost-effectiveness to evaluate their success.