The Economic Consequences of Homelessness in The US

A review of 31 studies focusing on outcomes associated with the Housing First model
showed that the model resulted in faster housing placements than traditional treatmentdependent
programs as well as increased levels of housing retention, including among
individuals with co-occurring substance dependence and mental disorders. The
increased levels of housing retention also led to decreases in costly shelter use and
fewer jail stays. In addition, several of the studies documented that participants reported
a higher perceived quality of life and sense of choice. Conversely, in another study,
individuals who had to enter interim housing and wait for an available permanent
housing placement reported worsening mental health symptoms, reduced their
engagement with service providers, and had inconsistent progress in non-housingrelated
recovery goals.
Interventions incorporating the Housing First model are not limited to urban settings.
While rural settings may have additional challenges (e.g., limited housing stock), the
Housing First principles can be equally effective. An evaluation of Housing First
interventions implemented in rural areas in Vermont demonstrated an 85% housing
retention rate over 3 years. A critical aspect of the successful implementation of this
model was landlord engagement, particularly among tenants with criminal histories or
substance abuse disorders. In a study of landlord perceptions of participating in
Housing First, many of the landlords reported seeing the social value of helping
individuals integrate into the community. These landlords indicated that they were more
willing to rent to tenants whom they would have not rented to before. Innovative landlord
engagement at the community level can result in significantly increased housing
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