The Economic Consequences of Homelessness in The US

contrast to models that require the homeless to abjure substance-abuse and seek
treatment in exchange for housing.
Housing First, when supported by the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development, does not only provide housing. The model, used by nonprofit agencies
throughout America, also provides wraparound case management services to the
tenants. This case management provides stability for homeless individuals, which
increases their success. It allows for accountability and promotes self-sufficiency. The
housing provided through government supported Housing First programs is permanent
and "affordable," meaning that tenants pay 30% of their income towards rent. Housing
First, as pioneered by Pathways to Housing, targets individuals with disabilities. This
housing is supported through two HUD programs. They are the Supportive
Housing Program and the Shelter Plus Care Program. Pathways' Housing First model
has been recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration as an Evidence-based practice.
The Housing First Model is executed through either a scattered-site or project-based
implementation. A scattered-site Housing First program is a model in which residents
are offered the opportunity of being housed in individual housing units throughout a
community. This model integrates participants in a community as opposed to
assembling multiple or all participants in one project or location. In a project-based
Housing First implementation, residents are offered units within a single housing project
or site. This model congregates multiple or all participants in one locality. In both the
scattered-site and project-based Housing First programs, residents are given access to
a wide variety of supportive health and rehabilitation services which they have the
option, although not mandatory, to participate in and receive treatment.
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