What is Housing First? | HousingFirst Lab

WHAT IS HOUSING FIRST?

A homelessness solution that quickly connects people to permanent housing.

1

Immediate access to permanent housing without precondition

2

Consumer choice and self-determination

3

Individualized, client-driven supports and recovery orientation

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Two primary models of Housing First

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Permanent
supportive
housing

Rapid
rehousing

Agencies are implementing
Housing First across the country

Source data: 2018 Housing Inventory Count, HUD Exchange

Denver, CO

Share of total homeless beds available that are "Housing First"
(PSH, RRH, or Other Permanent Housing)

Housing First is the most effective method for resolving homelessness

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"People experiencing homelessness - like all people - need the safety and stability of a home to best address challenges and pursue opportunities."

- US Interagency Council on Homelessness

$25k+

per person savings from Housing First
vs. usual care

Diverted resources

Emergency medical services

Criminal justice

Shelter

Improved outcomes

Mental and physical health

Youth education

Employment

Agencies need support to expand Housing First

Lack of resources

AT 30% AREA
MEDIAN INCOME...

100
families

There are an available

35
units

For every

ONLY...

of philanthropic donations go to homelessness

1%

Organizational effectiveness

10%

Average grant allowance for indirect costs (vs. 35% standard for businesses)

of funds are wasted due to inefficient process"

-Denver housing provider

30%

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Agencies need support to expand Housing First

Lack of resources

AT 30% AREA
MEDIAN INCOME...

100
families

There are an available

35
units

For every

ONLY...

of philanthropic donations go to homelessness

1%

Organizational effectiveness

10%

Average grant allowance for indirect costs (vs. 35% standard for businesses)

of funds are wasted due to inefficient processes."

"30%

HousingFirst Lab solves these challenges by uniting resources, talent, and knowledge across sectors to end homelessness.

Sources & additional reading

Additional reading

National Alliance to End Homelessness
Homeless Hub
Point-in-Time and Housing Inventory Count data - HUD Exchange
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness
The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Rental Homes - National Low Income Housing Coalition
Colorado Housing Affordability Data Explorer

Selection of Housing First studies

“Housing First as an effective model…” (Brown et al, 2016) [shown above]
“A systematic review of outcomes…” (Woodhall-Melnik & Dunn, 2016)
“Evaluation of the 100,000 Homes Campaign” (Leopold & Ho, 2015)
“Housing First for People with Severe Mental Illness…” (Aubry, Nelson & Tsemberis, 2015)
“A Randomized Trial Examining Housing First…” (Somers et al, 2017)

Other sources

Stanford Social Innovation Review
Neighborhood Funders Group

Download static PDF infographic