Q&A.pdf

Housing First is a bipartisan, evidence-based approach to ending homelessness, providing stable, affordable, and accessible housing quickly without prerequisites, along with voluntary supportive services to improve housing stability and well-being. It is a flexible model that can be adapted to address unique local needs and challenges. Housing First includes services such as case management, substance use services, and peer support, and is twice as effective at ending homelessness as the older "stairstep" approach. The model can be tailored to meet the needs of different populations, including Rapid Rehousing programs for those who can quickly become housing stable and Permanent Supportive Housing programs for those who are chronically homeless. Housing First helps individuals address mental health challenges and substance use disorders by providing stable housing and access to voluntary services. Congress can expand access to high-quality mental health and substance use recovery services by combining HUD housing assistance with HHS services. Individuals in Housing First programs are held accountable through lease requirements, and the approach emphasizes individual choice and respect for autonomy. Faith-based groups can play a role in Housing First by establishing and operating permanent supportive housing programs and rapid rehousing based on the principles of Housing First.