Massachusetts Launches Pay-For-Success Program Focused On Chronic Homelessness

On December 8, 2014, Massachusetts launched a pay-for-success (PFS) program focused on chronic homelessness. The initiative will provide 500 units of stable supportive housing for up to 800 chronically homeless individuals over six years. The primary outcome measure is successful tenancy of at least one year. Through the PFS program, the state seeks to reduce the participants’ utilization of costly emergency shelter care and hospital care. To earn any return on investment, at least 40% of participants must remain housed for a year; to earn the 5.33% maximum possible return, 80% of the participants must maintain successful . . .