New Publication Features Economic Benefits of Housing First Programs

The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) finds economic benefits exceed the intervention cost for Permanent Supportive Housing with Housing First programs (Housing First) in the United States. The finding is based on a systematic review that showed societal cost savings of 1.44 dollars for every dollar invested.

The complete findings from the economic review have been published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and are available on The Community Guide website.

Jacob V, Chattopadhyay SK, Attipoe-Dorcoo S, et al. Permanent supportive housing with housing first: findings from a Community Guide systematic economic review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2022;62(3):e188 e201.

CPSTF recommends Housing First programs to promote health equity for people who are experiencing homelessness and have a disabling condition. Evidence shows Housing First programs decrease homelessness and increase housing stability. Housing First programs also lead to reduced hospitalization and use of emergency departments for homeless persons with disabling conditions, including HIV infection.

Unlike Treatment First approaches that require clients to be “housing ready” before they are eligible for permanent supportive housing, Housing First programs propose that individuals or families experiencing homelessness are capable of maintaining a home when provided the opportunity along with range of services.¹

For More Information:

• The Community Guide
  • One Pager: Permanent Supportive Housing with Housing First
  • What Works Fact Sheet: Health Equity
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

References

¹National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Permanent supportive housing: evaluating the evidence for improving health outcomes among people experiencing chronic homelessness. National Academies Press; Washington (DC): 2018.