Mass. continues push to end homelessness by 2013

There was a great article in the Globe yesterday from AP writer Lyle Moran on the Commonwealth's continued efforts to bring an end to homelessness through a Housing First approach. As a service philosophy, Housing First  responds to evidence that families who are free from worry about finding shelter are more receptive to  services that will keep them stable in the long-run, and prioritizes placing families into permanent housing rather than temorary shelter as a first step.

Recently, United Ways across the state joined with the Patrick-Murray Administration to create regional networks focused on ending homelessness through Housing First. The regional networks better coordinate, and streamline services focused on securing permanent housing options for homeless individuals and families, and ultimately lessen the need for emergency assistance shelters.

Housing first has made some significant inroads in reducing chronic homelessness for individuals.  Out of Springfield -- some impressive numbers:

"In Springfield, city officials set a goal in 2007 of creating housing units for 250 chronically homeless individuals. So far, more than 100 formerly homeless people have been housed and 50 units are under construction.

The housing efforts have reduced the city's homeless street population from 98 in 2004 to 10 this year, and led to the elimination of 75 shelter beds." [From the Globe Article]

Despite reductions to individual homelessness, family homelessness, which is often more complex to address, is at a 30 year high. For the last three years United Way has funded efforts address family homelessness through Housing First.  The approach is now fully integrated into all housing-focused organizations we fund.

Reducing homelessness for families is essential to ensuring children grow up healthy, supported, and able to succeed in school.  While shelter systems provide critical emergency support for families, the negative impact of episodic homelessness on children is profound. Side effects include increased depression among parents and children, an increase in poor academic performance, and an increased chance a family will be separated.

Read a detailed account of our investments into Housing First for Families through our Housing First Evaluation Reports

Learn more about the Regional Networks

Have a question about how Housing First Works?  Leave it below.