Vulnerable clients become more engaged and successful

Housing First Model

Housing First is an evidence-based practice that looks at housing as a tool, rather than a reward, for recovery. It is an approach to ending homelessness that centers on providing permanent housing first and then providing services as needed and requested. Pioneered by Dr. Sam Tsemberis from Pathways to Housing in New York City, Housing First believes that any person experiencing homelessness is ready for housing. For more about SAMHSA best-practices, resources »

A proven method of ending all types of homelessness and the most effective approach to ending chronic homelessness, Housing First offers individuals and families experiencing homelessness immediate access to permanent affordable or supportive housing. Without clinical prerequisites like completion of a course of treatment or evidence of sobriety and, with a low-threshold for entry, Housing First yields higher housing retention rates, lower returns to homelessness and significant reductions in the use of crisis service and institutions. Due its high degree of success, Housing First is identified as a core strategy for ending homelessness in Opening Doors: the Federal Strategic Plan to End Homelessness and has become widely adopted by national and community-based organizations as a best practice for solving homelessness.

Housing First Checklist from the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness »

SAMHSA’s Homelessness Resource Center »

Types of Housing offered in Stark County

Transitional Housing offers affordable housing for a limited period of time. Most will expect resident participation in a service plan that recommends seeking such services as counseling, money management and job search. The services are designed to teach the skills needed to seek permanent, stable housing. (YWCA “New Beginnings, Alliance Children & Family)

Permanent Supportive Housing combines housing assistance and supportive services for homeless persons with disabilities. Usually they serve individuals and members of their household who have serious mental illnesses, chronic substance abuse problems, physical disabilities or AIDS and related diseases. Supportive services are provided on site or through partnering agencies, depending on individual and community needs. (Hunter House, Gateway I & II, ICAN Scattered Site PSH, YWCA “New Beginnings, A-FIRST)

Rapid Rehousing Program The funds from the rapid re-housing program pay expenses for individuals and families that are in a temporary housing situation, so they are able to move to permanent, stable housing (YWCA). StarkMHAR funds the Support Services Staff for Hunter House (which is managed by Crisis Intervention & Recovery Center), Gateway I & II (which is managed by Community Services of Stark County. ICAN has their own Housing Support Staff.)

For more about the Housing First model or Housing in Stark County, contact Program Coordinator Olivia Clokey at 330-455-6644 or Olivia Clokey@StarkMHAR.org.