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Housing First Initiative
The Housing First Initiative 1

The Housing First Initiative:

A Plan to End Homelessness

Lissa Sellew

Introduction to Human Services, BSHS302

Therez Moya

June 16, 2008

The Housing First Initiative 2

Abstract

The Housing First Initiative is a systematic method to end and prevent the reoccurrence of homelessness. The ideology behind Housing First is that homeless participants focus on obtaining permanent housing as a first step and work towards achieving goals towards self-sufficiency as a secondary objective. The dynamic component in the Housing First model is the collaboration between service providers within the community in order to promote independence for the participant and to deter cycles of homelessness (chronic homelessness). This cooperative action will be examined to demonstrate the potential for self-sufficiency and personal empowerment. A short comparison study of past homeless assistance programs that required pre-requisites to housing options will be presented in order to show the measurable success of the new Housing First Initiative
(Tsemberis & Stefancic, 2007).

The Housing First Initiative 3

The Housing First Initiative:

A Plan to End Homelessness

In June of 2007, The National Coalition for the Homeless issued several fact sheets regarding the reasons why homelessness exists, the types of individuals facing homelessness, the methods by which states define and count the homeless and what efforts have been taken to cease homelessness in the United States. In the state of Utah, studies conducted by the Utah Homeless Coordinating Committee have shown that as high as .6% of the total population is homeless, at least 15,000 people annually (Flynn, 2007). Over the years, analysis of programs designed for the treatment of the condition of homelessness has shown to be ineffective as long-term solutions. A new strategy, called The Housing First Initiative, was implemented and has shown measurable


References: National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2006). What is Housing First? Retrieved June 14, 2008, Division of Housing and Community Development; Proposed Goal Statements. Retrieved June 14, 2008, from http://housing.utah.gov/documents/HCD_Strategic_Plan_0809v1.pdf Tsemberis, Sam., Gulcur, Leyla., & Nakae, Maria. (2004). Housing First, Consumer Choice, and Harm Reduction for Homeless Individuals with a Dual Diagnosis. American Journal of Public Health, 94 (4), 651-656 . Retrieved June 14, 2008, from database. Flynn Michelle, (2007). Becoming a Landlord Part I: Housing Development. National Alliance to End Homelessness Help Chronic Homeless. Retrieved June 14, 2008, from http://www.hud.gov/local/ut/news/2008-05-09.cfm
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