Meet Chico
The Coalition has adopted an approach designed to help chronically homeless individuals move immediately off the streets or out of the shelter system. Called “Housing First” it includes crisis intervention, rapid access to housing, and follow-up case management and therapeutic support services to prevent the recurrence of homelessness. Housing First is designed to respond to the most acute need of chronically homeless individuals with disabilities – housing – and through the provision of housing, to provide the other services necessary to maintain that housing and to improve health.
Utilization of emergency room care, inpatient medical and psychiatric care, detox services, incarceration, and emergency shelter are significantly reduced. Overall, a 72.95 percent reduction was reported in emergency service costs for chronically homeless individuals with disabilities, for a 24 month period, as compared to the 24 months prior to entry. The total emergency cost savings averaged $31,545 per participant.
Housing First has gained recognition over the past five years as studies have found it exceptionally successful in ending homelessness for chronically homeless individuals, particularly for those with psychiatric disabilities and co-occurring substance use disorders. Housing First has been endorsed by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Download the Housing First Works factsheet