Homelessness is a growing issue across the United States, impacting the health and wellbeing of more and more individuals and families. In a single night in 2023, more than 650,000 individuals experienced homelessness.

The Housing First model is an innovative approach that has gained significant traction in addressing homelessness. But what is the Housing First model, and why is it considered so effective? This article explores the principles of Housing First, highlights its successes, and examines the role of the Camden Coalition in transforming lives through our Housing First program.

What is Housing First?

The Housing First model is a philosophy and approach to ending homelessness that prioritizes providing stable housing before addressing health-related social needs like mental health, substance use, or employment. Housing First principles emphasize immediate access to permanent housing without preconditions, unlike traditional programs that often require participants to meet certain conditions before receiving housing

Housing First operates on the belief that stable housing is a basic human right and a critical foundation for individuals to achieve long-term health and stability. This model also integrates support services, combining mental health services and housing first strategies, to ensure individuals can simultaneously maintain their housing and improve their quality of life. Learn more about the Camden Coalition’s work.

Why is the Housing First model important?

Homelessness is often interconnected with health-related challenges including mental illness, chronic diseases, and addiction. These issues can make it difficult for individuals to access or sustain housing. The Housing First model addresses these barriers by reversing the traditional order of services:

• Immediate stability: By securing housing first, individuals gain a stable environment from where they can focus on addressing underlying issues.

• Reduction in healthcare costs: Research shows that individuals who receive housing through successful Housing First programs have fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations, thereby significantly reducing their healthcare costs.

• Improved outcomes: With stable housing, individuals are more likely to engage in treatment, secure employment, and reintegrate into the community.

A 2023 study published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that 85 – 90% of participants in Housing First programs retained housing after five years, compared to lower rates among individuals in traditional transitional housing models.

The success of Housing First principles

Housing First principles are rooted in:

• Low barriers to entry: No requirements for sobriety, treatment, or employment.
• Client choice: Participants have autonomy over their housing and services.
• Community integration: Housing is located in the community, not isolated institutions.

These principles ensure inclusivity and empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity. The Camden Coalition has become a leader in implementing these principles, demonstrating remarkable outcomes in addressing homelessness in New Jersey.

Why is Housing First so successful?

The success of Housing First programs lies in their holistic approach:

• Breaking the cycle of homelessness: By eliminating barriers to housing, individuals can escape the instability that perpetuates homelessness.
• Cost-effectiveness: Studies reveal that Housing First is more cost-effective than emergency shelters or transitional housing. A report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that Housing First programs save taxpayers approximately $20,000 per participant annually by reducing reliance on public services.
• Addressing root causes: The integration of mental health services and Housing First strategies enables individuals to confront the underlying issues that led to their homelessness.

Challenges and opportunities

While the Housing First model has proven to be effective, challenges remain:

• Funding instability: Programs like the Camden Coalition’s rely heavily on government and private funding, which can be unpredictable.
• Scalability: Expanding successful Housing First programs to rural and underserved areas requires significant investment and coordination.
• Public perception: Educating communities about what Housing First is and its benefits is essential to overcome stigma and gain broader support.

Camden Coalition’s role in Housing First program

The Camden Coalition has pioneered the Housing First program that integrates healthcare, housing, and social services. Our Housing First program is designed to support individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and complex health needs.

How to support Housing First programs

If you’re inspired by the success of Housing First principles, here are ways to get involved:

• Advocate for funding: Contact local representatives to support funding for programs like the Camden Coalition’s.
• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to organizations implementing the Housing First model. You can also learn more about how to help through courses that are offered by organizations like Camden Coalition.
• Donate: Financial contributions can help sustain and expand Housing First programs. Support the Camden Coalition here.

The Housing First model is a transformative approach that has reshaped how communities address homelessness. By prioritizing housing as a fundamental right and integrating support services, Housing First programs like those run by the Camden Coalition are making a profound impact. Despite challenges, the success stories and data prove that Housing First principles offer a path to dignity, stability, and hope for individuals experiencing homelessness. To ensure its continued success, we must advocate for sustained funding and expansion.

The Camden Coalition is a multidisciplinary, community-based nonprofit working to improve care for people with complex health and social needs in the city of Camden, across New Jersey, and around the country. We develop and test care management models and redesign systems in partnership with consumers, community members, health systems, community-based organizations, government agencies, payers, and more, with the goal of achieving person-centered, equitable care.

As one of New Jersey’s four Regional Health Hubs, the Camden Coalition works with regional partners, New Jersey’s Medicaid office, and other state agencies to expand data-sharing and collaboration between organizations so that patients across South Jersey experience seamless, whole-person care.

You can visit The Camden Coalition Learning Center to register for on-demand, curated courses that provide skills and resources to develop and grow complex care programs. You can also register for our free monthly newsletter to receive updates on our local, state, and national work.