What is Housing First?

Sometimes logic and reason can be the greatest indicators of what is right and wrong. But if an idea makes sense or seems simple, it can be discarded because it must not be worth trying. We tend to over-think things if the answer seems self-evident and we construct solutions that complicate or muddy the problem. In social circles this internal dialogue is constantly being weighed against external applications.

Often there are numerous ways to address an issue but which is the ‘right’ way? Or, if there is no concrete right way, which method is most beneficial to everyone involved?  The end goal for addressing homelessness is to provide adequate housing for people, but there several theories about getting from Point A to Point B. This is apparent in the conversation about homelessness and the philosophy and practice of ‘Housing First.’  

The idea behind Housing First centers on the belief that helping the homeless access and sustain permanent, affordable housing can result in keeping that person or family off the street for good. It understands that the homeless don’t need a series of hoops to jump through: they need a home. Once they have permanent housing, the services that follow are much more effective.

It’s the proverbial which comes first, the chicken or the egg?

What makes a Housing First approach different from other strategies is that there is an immediate focus on helping people quickly find permanent housing. It intentionally seeks out what most people experiencing homelessness want and need. The idea is that Housing First provides people experiencing homelessness with permanent housing as quickly as possible – and then supply voluntary supportive services as needed.

By providing housing assistance, case management and supportive services responsive to individual or family needs after an individual or family is housed, communities can significantly reduce the time people experience homelessness and prevent further episodes of homelessness. Social services to enhance individual and family well-being can be more effective when people are in their own home. Housing First is an approach that centers on providing homeless people with housing quickly and then providing services as needed.

Housing First programs share critical elements:

- Help the homeless access and sustain permanent rental housing as quickly as possible.

- A variety of services to promote housing stability and individual well.

- Such services are time-limited or long-term depending upon individual need

- Participants must comply with a standard lease agreement and are provided with the services and supports that are necessary to help them do so successfully.

 

In a few days I will share some of the other benefits to this model, but for now I wanted to explain a little about what it was.

 

Info courtesy of National Coalition for the Homeless