| HOUSING FIRST RAPID RE-HOUSING |
The housing first model proposes to end chronic homelessness. Just like in disasters
such as fires and tornados and floods, it seeks to rehouse people as quickly as possible.
It was developed as part of the national push to "end homelessness within ten years".
The "Housing First" method is an alternative to traditional models of emergency shelter. It
advocates for the early relocation of homeless families and individuals to safe, decent,
affordable permanent housing A "Housing First" approach can be appropriate for a wide
variety of individuals and families including those who do have intensive service needs.
There is more flexibility in service delivery in the Housing First model as services can be
tailored to match each person or families needs.
Housing assistance typically involves helping the individual/family identify appropriate
housing options,negotiating with landlords, and intervening when problems develop after
housing placement. Housing assistance may also include providing financial assistance
for security, deposits, rent guarantees, and developing affordable, permanent housing
resources." 2 This is the approach taken by New Beginnings since 2000. Because,
according to the US department of Housing and Urban Development, we are now
experiencing a period when worst-case housing needs are at an all time high, New
Beginnings has sought solutions to the problem not just crisis intervention. The solution
to persons not having a home is to help them into a home that they can afford....that is
safe and is decent.
A Housing First approach that emphasizes a rapid return to permanent housing may not
be appropriate for all people experiencing homelessness. There are some individuals
and families who may desire and benefit from a temporary stay in a congregate
residential setting that offers intensive support to help individuals and families address
specific challenges.
Housing First providers may refer individuals and families to a wide variety of housing
options, from private sector rental units to service enriched and permanent supportive
housing programs. In some instances Housing First providers own and operate
permanent, affordable housing.
Reducing the length of time families are homeless through adoption of a Housing First
approach presents great cost-savings to homeless programs. The cost of the follow-up
case management is a fraction of what is required to meet the comprehensive needs of
the individual or family who remains homeless for a longer period of time. As a result,
resources can be used efficiently and more indivuduals/families can be served with the
same funds.2
1. Lutheran Social Service Housing Services Minnesota
2. The National Alliance to end Homelessness www.endhomelessness.org
such as fires and tornados and floods, it seeks to rehouse people as quickly as possible.
It was developed as part of the national push to "end homelessness within ten years".
The "Housing First" method is an alternative to traditional models of emergency shelter. It
advocates for the early relocation of homeless families and individuals to safe, decent,
affordable permanent housing A "Housing First" approach can be appropriate for a wide
variety of individuals and families including those who do have intensive service needs.
There is more flexibility in service delivery in the Housing First model as services can be
tailored to match each person or families needs.
Housing assistance typically involves helping the individual/family identify appropriate
housing options,negotiating with landlords, and intervening when problems develop after
housing placement. Housing assistance may also include providing financial assistance
for security, deposits, rent guarantees, and developing affordable, permanent housing
resources." 2 This is the approach taken by New Beginnings since 2000. Because,
according to the US department of Housing and Urban Development, we are now
experiencing a period when worst-case housing needs are at an all time high, New
Beginnings has sought solutions to the problem not just crisis intervention. The solution
to persons not having a home is to help them into a home that they can afford....that is
safe and is decent.
A Housing First approach that emphasizes a rapid return to permanent housing may not
be appropriate for all people experiencing homelessness. There are some individuals
and families who may desire and benefit from a temporary stay in a congregate
residential setting that offers intensive support to help individuals and families address
specific challenges.
Housing First providers may refer individuals and families to a wide variety of housing
options, from private sector rental units to service enriched and permanent supportive
housing programs. In some instances Housing First providers own and operate
permanent, affordable housing.
Reducing the length of time families are homeless through adoption of a Housing First
approach presents great cost-savings to homeless programs. The cost of the follow-up
case management is a fraction of what is required to meet the comprehensive needs of
the individual or family who remains homeless for a longer period of time. As a result,
resources can be used efficiently and more indivuduals/families can be served with the
same funds.2
1. Lutheran Social Service Housing Services Minnesota
2. The National Alliance to end Homelessness www.endhomelessness.org
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