1 - Learning the Basics
Section 1: Definition
Housing First is an approach to connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness quickly and successfully to permanent housing without preconditions and barriers to entry, such as sobriety, treatment, or service participation requirements. Supportive services are offered to maximize housing stability and prevent returns to homelessness as opposed to addressing predetermined treatment goals prior to permanent housing entry. Housing First is premised on the following principles:
• Homelessness is first and foremost a housing crisis and can be addressed through the provision of safe and affordable housing.
• All people experiencing homelessness, regardless of their housing history and duration of homelessness, can achieve housing stability in permanent housing. Some may need little support for a brief period, while others may need more intensive and long-term support.
• Housing First approaches are based on the concept that the first and primary need for anyone experiencing homelessness is to obtain stable housing (a basic necessity), and that other issues (such as getting a job or attending to substance use) that may affect the
individual or household can and should be addressed once housing is obtained.
• Many people experience improvements in quality of life, in the areas of health, mental health, substance use, and employment, because of achieving housing.
• People experiencing homelessness have the right to self-determination and should be treated with dignity and respect.
• The exact configuration of housing and services depends upon the needs and preferences of the individual.
Housing First core features include:
• Few to no programmatic prerequisites to permanent housing entry.
• Low barrier admission policies.
• Rapid and streamlined entry into housing.
• Supportive services are voluntary but can and should be used to persistently engage tenants to ensure housing stability.
• Tenants have full rights, responsibilities, and legal protections.
• Practices and policies to prevent lease violations and evictions.
• Applicable in a variety of housing models.
Section 2: Importance & Key Principles
No two people experience homelessness in the same way so services should always be participant-centered. People with greatest needs should be screened INTO programs, NOT out of.
Housing First will provide higher housing retention rates, lower returns to homelessness, and significantly reduce the use of crisis services & institutions.
Key Principles of Housing First Include:
Safe and Affordable Housing
All can achieve housing stability in permanent housing, support may look different for each participant
Everyone is “housing ready”
Improved quality of life, health, mental health, and employment can be achieved through housing
Right to determination, dignity, and respect
Housing services are based on participant needs and preferences
Section 3: Is the Project Housing First?
Projects must provide documentation of project policies showing that program participants are not denied services due to:
Income
Criminal Record
Fleeing Domestic Violence
Not having an address in Iowa
Gender-Specific Reasons
Age, Race, Creed, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex/Gender, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, familial status, and disability.
Projects must not terminate participants from the project for any of the following reasons:
Failure to participate in supportive services and/or failure to make progress on a service plan.
Loss of income or failure to improve income
Active Substance Use
Any other activity not covered in a lease agreement is typically found in the project’s geographic area.
