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HOUSING OPTIONS WITH INNOVATIVE ELEMENTS
h(OUSING &IRSTv #ONCEPT
The supportive housing movement had its roots in addressing the needs of the seriously mentally ill, chronically homeless population by recognizing lease-based housing and supportive services as separate but of equal importance. A person’s basic needs must be met so that someone living in vulnerable circumstances can find stability while living in the community. The Housing First model was adopted pertaining to those who are chronically homeless. Implementation of
STABILITY
REHABILITATION
“Housing First” Model: Doug’s Home Doug suffers with post-traumatic stress disorder and dulls his pain through alcohol. Over the years, he has frequently been homeless. A mental health agency reached out to Doug and connected him to much needed services. With a housing voucher, Doug now can afford to rent a small apartment. He attends a medical clinic for health care. Food stamps and the local food pantry supply him with groceries. Members of the local church provide warm clothes and household necessities. He formed a deep attachment to a rescued dog that now shares his apartment. They look after each other. Doug still has a dependence upon alcohol. He finds comfort, however, that he will not be evicted from his home because of his lack of sobriety. Having a stable home is a big first step toward recovery for Doug.
WELLNESS
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
the concept provides permanent housing as quickly as possible, rather than requiring individuals to successfully advance through various levels of care. The continuation in housing is not contingent upon participation in rehabilitation. Service providers offer but do not require enrollment in services to assist the person. Because those living without housing for many years have multiple challenges, they are often afraid of commitment and difficult to engage. The model does not restrict eligibility due to behavior challenges and allows individuals to move into housing regardless of active addictions and other behavioral impediments. Slowly over time, with the stability in their housing, these individuals are enrolled in a variety of behavioral and health care services that are rehabilitative and promote wellness. Data compiled over the years has demonstrated the success of Housing First in various communities. Not only have a majority of chronically homeless adults become stable in their housing, states employing this model have saved significant public dollars formerly spent on emergency care, institutionalization, homeless shelters and prisons. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HOUSING FIRST GO TO WWWENDHOMELESSNESSORGPAGESHOUSING?lRST WWWCSHORGTOOLKITSUPPORTIVE HOUSING QUALITY TOOLKIT HOUSING AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENTHOUSING lRST MODEL WWWENDHOMELESSNESSORGBLOGENTRYDATA POINTS HOUSING lRST DECREASES RE OFFENDING AMONG HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS 614,MM4&W
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