Housing First Overview
The housing first approach to resolving homelessness refers to plans, policies, and programs where people are provided housing and access to supportive services to reach their goals, without having to meet pre-conditions like sobriety.
This exhibit has curated information and resources related to understanding Housing First.
What is Housing First?
The housing first approach to resolving homelessness is a housing justice framework that pairs housing with services. Programs that use a housing first approach do not refuse to house applicants because the applicant has a substance use disorder, a criminal record, or mental illness. Programs that are based on a housing first philosophy provide support services to help clients stay housed. With the exception of regular meetings with a case manager, tenants in housing first programs are not required to use any of the supportive services the program offers. The goal is to support people in identifying their needs and accessing resources to meet those needs while providing them housing regardless of program participation. Housing first program participants must meet the tenancy requirements of their landlord.
People use the phrase “housing first” to mean a variety of things. Housing First can refer to the Pathways to Housing model that includes a set of specific program components (described below). It can also refer to a wider variety of supportive housing models. Program staff may describe their program as using a housing first approach, but only apply parts of the general model. This means you can’t know exactly whether a given “housing first” program achieves full fidelity without asking more. Sometimes, people use capitalization (Housing First) to refer to the Pathways to Housing model, but this is not always the case.
HUD’s largest funding for housing for people experiencing homelessness is divided into two sources of funding - permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing funds. Each funding source requires the use of several overarching housing first principles, but does not require fidelity to the Housing First model.
Core Characteristics and Nuances of Housing First
- Housing first is both an approach/philosophy and a model.
- A formal housing first program includes components such as the provision of housing and supportive services for program participants.
- Full model fidelity is not expected in housing first programs.
