Housing First: Lessons from the United States and Challenges for Australia

2017/05/31 by Stefan G. Kertesz, Guy Johnson
Health Professions · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · #Homelessness and Social Issues #Housing, Finance, and Neoliberalism #Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/1467-8462.12217

Abstract

Abstract Efforts to end long‐term homelessness have embraced a Housing First approach. Housing First emphasises rapid placement of clients into independent, permanent accommodation and eschews traditionally favoured requirements that clients demonstrate sobriety or success in treatment programs prior to being offered housing. Although housing retention rates are superior to those obtained from traditional programs, some claims made on behalf of the Housing First approach remain controversial. The present article reviews results from Housing First research to date, as well as challenges and concerns that remain in regard to clinical outcomes, fidelity of implementation and application in the Australian context.

Related

• Early Research Findings from Journeys Home: Longitudinal Study of Factors Affecting Housing Stability
• Housing First for People with Severe Mental Illness Who are Homeless: A Review of the Research and Findings from the at Home—Chez soi Demonstration Project
• Social housing tenants differently satisfied with life? The influence of previous homelessness
• Housing First and Severe Mental Disorders: The Challenge of Exiting Homelessness
• Housing and Homelessness in Australia: The Case of Marginalised Women Leaving Prison in New South Wales (NSW)