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The Economic Consequences of Homelessness in The US

The Economic Consequences of Homelessness in The US

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In 1992 Dr. Sam Tsemberis, a faculty member <strong>of</strong> the Department <strong>of</strong> Psychiatry <strong>of</strong><br />

the New York University School <strong>of</strong> Medic<strong>in</strong>e, founded Pathways to Hous<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> New York<br />

City. Hous<strong>in</strong>g First for the chronically homeless is premised on the notion that hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />

is a basic human right, and so should not be denied to anyone, even if they are abus<strong>in</strong>g<br />

alcohol or other substances. <strong>The</strong> Hous<strong>in</strong>g First model, thus, is philosophically <strong>in</strong><br />

contrast to models that require the homeless to abjure substance-abuse and seek<br />

treatment <strong>in</strong> exchange for hous<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Hous<strong>in</strong>g First, when supported by the United States Department <strong>of</strong> Hous<strong>in</strong>g and Urban<br />

Development, does not only provide hous<strong>in</strong>g. <strong>The</strong> model, used by nonpr<strong>of</strong>it agencies<br />

throughout America, also provides wraparound case management services to the<br />

tenants. This case management provides stability for homeless <strong>in</strong>dividuals, which<br />

<strong>in</strong>creases their success. It allows for accountability and promotes self-sufficiency. <strong>The</strong><br />

hous<strong>in</strong>g provided through government supported Hous<strong>in</strong>g First programs is permanent<br />

and "affordable," mean<strong>in</strong>g that tenants pay 30% <strong>of</strong> their <strong>in</strong>come towards rent. Hous<strong>in</strong>g<br />

First, as pioneered by Pathways to Hous<strong>in</strong>g, targets <strong>in</strong>dividuals with disabilities. This<br />

hous<strong>in</strong>g is supported through two HUD programs. <strong>The</strong>y are the Supportive<br />

Hous<strong>in</strong>g Program and the Shelter Plus Care Program. Pathways' Hous<strong>in</strong>g First model<br />

has been recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services<br />

Adm<strong>in</strong>istration as an Evidence-based practice.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Hous<strong>in</strong>g First Model is executed through either a scattered-site or project-based<br />

implementation. A scattered-site Hous<strong>in</strong>g First program is a model <strong>in</strong> which residents<br />

are <strong>of</strong>fered the opportunity <strong>of</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g housed <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual hous<strong>in</strong>g units throughout a<br />

community. This model <strong>in</strong>tegrates participants <strong>in</strong> a community as opposed to<br />

assembl<strong>in</strong>g multiple or all participants <strong>in</strong> one project or location. In a project-based<br />

Page 145 <strong>of</strong> 289

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