What is Permanent Supportive Housing?
Permanent Supportive Housing, or PSH, is affordable housing coupled with supportive services.
What is Housing First?
Housing First is a cost-effective model of PSH, that has been identified as one of the most successful interventions for people who have been homeless for years and have complex disabilities. This evidenced-based model has several key characteristics:
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Immediate access to permanent supportive housing. Housing First moves participants immediately from the streets or shelters into permanent housing, while providing intensive supportive services to help residents achieve and maintain housing stability and improve their lives.
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Targets chronically homeless individuals who are considered the most vulnerable. The program uses a vulnerability assessment to target people who are at greatest risk of injury or death if they continue to live on the street or in shelter.
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Low barrier. Housing First does not require residents to undergo psychiatric treatment or maintain sobriety prior to obtaining housing. Vulnerable clients can more easily engage in services and address their chronic medical conditions once they are no longer dealing with the chaos of homelessness.[i]
[i] Tsemberis, S. Housing First: Ending homelessness, promoting recovery, and reducing costs. 2010.
