Housing First

Background:

"Housing first" or rapid re-housing as it is also known, is an alternative to the current system of emergency shelter/

transitional housing, which tends to prolong the length of time that individuals remain homeless. The methodology is premised on the belief that vulnerable and at-risk homeless individuals are more responsive to interventions and social services support after they are in their own housing, rather than while living in temporary/transitional facilities or housing programs. With permanent housing, these men, women and families can begin to regain the self-confidence and control over their lives they lost when they became homeless.

For over 20 years, the “Housing First” methodology has proven to be a practical means to ending and preventing homelessness. The methodology is currently being adapted by organizations throughout the United States. For more information link to:

Housing First Principles:

Homelessness is first and foremost a housing problem and should be treated as such

Housing is the right to which all are entitled

People who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness should be returned to or stabilized in permanent housing as quickly as possible and connected to resources necessary to sustain that housing

Issue that may have contributed to a household’s homelessness can best be addressed once they are housed

Housing First Service Delivery Components

Emergency Services that address the immediate need for shelter or stabilization in current housing

Housing, Resource, and Support Assessment which focuses on housing needs. Preferences, and barriers: resource acquisition( e. g. entitlements) ; and identification of services needed to sustain housing

Housing Placement Assistance including housing location and placement; financial assistance with housing costs (e.g., security deposit, first month’s rent, move-in and utilities connection, short or long term housing subsidies); advocacy and assistance in addressing housing barriers (e.g., poor credit history or debt, prior eviction, criminal conviction)

Case Management Services specifically focused on maintaining permanent housing or the acquisition and sustainment of permanent housing

The Housing First program in Colorado Springs receives housing vouchers through the HUD Super NOFA Grant that is managed by Homeward Pikes Peak. Valued at approximately $6,000 per year, these vouchers are used for very small, scattered site, apartments for the chronically homeless. To be eligible, a chronically homeless individual must be dual-diagnosed with substance abuse and mental health issues, must agree to case management for both issues, and must agree to abide by the terms of the lease. The client is not forbidden from drinking, but cannot use illegal drugs.

What we have found over the past two years is that the first year is very difficult for both clients and case managers: Some clients drink to excess, knowing that it is allowed, and the program nationwide experiences an approximately 10% mortality rate. (These are already extremely medically fragile individuals when they enter the program.) Generally, in the second half of the first year the client begins to experience less of a drive to abuse alcohol and we see reduced intake. This is called a “harm reduction” model, e.g. cutting down from 1.5 liters of vodka daily to three beers. At this point we begin to see a request for medical attention from the clients. They are more sober and begin to be aware of their health problems. This stage lasts about six months. Beyond the first year and a half we see many clients begin to work part-time and to appreciate a new quality of life. They are more sober and begin to be aware of their health problems. This stage lasts about six months. Beyond the first year and a half we see many clients begin to work part-time and to appreciate a new quality of life.

Why Bother?

Certainly because it’s the right thing to do: to be compassionate to one’s fellow man. However, Harbor House Collaborative never relies solely on compassion as a motive. Programs must be cost-efficient, as well, and the Housing First Program is a true bargain for taxpayers.

When the homeless person is on the streets, he will often pass out after drinking. A compassionate passer-by will call 911 and chain of events will ensue. At the scene we will find police, fire and ambulance personnel and equipment. The call will most probably end in a trip to the Emergency Room. The average price for this action is about $2,000. And the average chronic substance abuser will utilize these services more than once every two weeks.

The bottom line is that the Housing First Program costs about $13,000 per year; per person ($6,000 from HUD and $7,000 in local services) while the person not in the program is costing local taxpayers about $60,000 per year in police, fire, ambulance and ER services.

One of the most profound gaps in services has been in the area of caring for the chronically homeless: usually males who are frequently mentally ill and who are, for the most part, substance abusers. They are usually seen wandering downtown, drinking in parks and sometimes panhandling near Interstate on and off ramps.

Two years ago Homeward Pikes Peak (the coordinating agency for homeless services in the Pikes Peak Region) introduced a program called “Housing First” to help these individuals. The concept behind the program is that, not surprisingly, what the chronically homeless need most is a permanent place to live. They also need treatment for their dual disorders; but what has happened in the past is that they would seek mental health help only to be told to quit drinking first. When they went to a substance abuse counselor, they were told to get treatment for their mental illness first. Needless to say, most quit trying to seek help.

Harbor House Collaborative

Finding Solutions to Homelessness & Addiction in Our Community

719-473-5557

Harbor House Collaborative is pleased to announce the cooperation and transfer of “Housing First” from Homeward Pikes Peak to Harbor House Collaborative!

“With Housing First individuals and families who are contemplating changes to their lives receive the encouragement and support they need to pursue this goal. The Housing First Program provides the actual vehicle for a life style change by offering both housing and intensive case management for as long as necessary.”

Dr. Robert J. Holmes

Executive Director

Homeward Pikes Peak

Housing is the right to which all are entitled.