Confronting Homelessness as a Health Issue:

A Housing First Approach

The Housing First model is an evidence-based housing intervention that prioritizes obtaining permanent housing for homeless individuals before expecting them to manage complex mental and physical health issues. This approach provides stable housing options for people who have been unsuccessful with traditional approaches and have therefore been chronically homeless despite best intentions of healthcare providers and social service agencies. Research surrounding the efficacy of the Housing First model has repeatedly reported positive participant feedback, reduced rates of substance and alcohol use, decreased likelihood of returning to a homeless status and various other promising outcomes.