What Is “Housing First”?

We had a question from one of our readers about “Housing First.” What is it – and how is it funded?

Housing First is an evidence-based intervention focused on the needs of chronically homeless individuals, including individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorders. About 30% of people who are chronically homeless have mental health conditions and about 50% have a co-occurring addictive disorder (see Current Statistics On The Prevalence And Characteristics Of People Experiencing Homelessness In The United States).

Housing First initiatives move individuals directly into permanent supportive housing that offers supportive services. But consumer choice . . .