The Housing First approach

The Housing First approach is a way of helping homeless people by providing them with stable, permanent housing without requiring them to first prove they have resolved other issues like substance abuse or mental health problems. The idea is that having a safe place to live creates a foundation for individuals to address these challenges more effectively. It respects personal autonomy and recognizes that housing is a basic human need. Once housed, individuals can access support services as needed, which is more effective than temporary shelters or transitional housing. This approach has been shown to reduce homelessness and improve well-being.