Friday, July 28, 2023

Housing First is a critical tool in the fight to end homelessness. This model matters because it works.

What is Housing First?

Before Housing First, homeless services programs required individuals to undergo treatment before being placed into a home. But this model prioritizes providing a stable and permanent home as the first step. Once people are stable then they are more likely to be successful at addressing other issues like chemical dependency and mental health.

Why Housing First Matters

Housing First matters because it is cost-efficient, reduces recidivism, and provides dignity. It is significantly cheaper for a community to provide stable homes and services. The alternative is chronically homeless individuals cycle in and out of emergency rooms and shelters. As well as utilizing emergency response services in communities. All of these services are expensive.

Additionally, studies show that it is more successful at keeping people stably housed. Pathway to Housing in New York City was one of the first organizations to fully embrace this model. A study done after five years showed that 88% of Pathway participants remained housed. Compared to only 47% of the residents in the control group.

Finally, this model helps people who experienced homelessness find a sense of dignity. With the stability of a home, individuals gain a sense of agency and self-worth.

In Cincinnati

All of our partners who provide services to neighbors experiencing homelessness follow Housing First principles. Opened in 2010, Over-the-Rhine Community Housing’s Jimmy Heath House works with our community’s most chronically homeless individuals. Getting them housed first and then providing mental health, employment, and other services on-site.

This model is a central part of all our local Supportive Housing programs.

Want to learn more?

The evidence is out there that Housing First works:

Learn how the country of Finland ended homelessness.
Read The National Alliance to End Homelessness’ Fact Sheet.
Take a deep dive into the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s compilation of studies.

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