When a family member is experiencing homelessness alongside addiction or mental health challenges, finding the right path forward can feel overwhelming. This post explains the Housing First model, a widely used approach to ending homelessness, and provides practical steps on how to find these programs in your community using local resources. By understanding how this framework operates, you can better advocate for your loved one and navigate the social services system with realistic expectations.
What is Housing First?
For many years, traditional housing programs required people to prove they were ready for a home. This often meant a person had to complete a rehab program, stay sober for a set period, or comply with psychiatric treatment before they could get keys to an apartment. Under that older model, if a person relapsed, they often lost their housing and had to start over.
According to the SAMHSA homelessness resources, the Housing First approach flips this order. It is built on the belief that a person needs a stable, safe place to live before they can effectively address other life challenges, such as substance use disorders, physical illness, or mental health concerns. Housing is viewed as a basic human right rather than a reward for clinical progress.
Once a person has stable housing, supportive services are offered to help them maintain that housing and work on their personal recovery goals. However, participation in these services is typically voluntary, not a requirement to keep their home.
Why this approach is used
It is incredibly difficult to manage a severe mental illness or work toward recovery from addiction while sleeping on the street, in a car, or in a temporary shelter. The daily struggle to find food, warmth, and safety takes up all of a person's energy.
Research has shown that when people are housed first, they are much more likely to remain housed long-term. This stability often leads to reduced emergency room visits, fewer interactions with the justice system, and a more stable environment where recovery can eventually begin. For families, knowing a loved one has a secure door to lock can bring an immense sense of relief, even if the loved one is still actively struggling with addiction or mental health symptoms.
What Housing First is not
Housing First does not mean "housing only." It is not about abandoning people in an apartment without support. The model relies heavily on case managers, crisis intervention, and healthcare workers who check in regularly and offer assistance.
It also does not mean there are no rules. Tenants in Housing First programs typically sign standard leases and must follow the same rules as any other tenant, such as paying a portion of their rent on time and not damaging the property.
How to find Housing First programs near you
Housing First is a guiding philosophy used by many different local charities, non-profits, and government agencies. Because programs are run locally, there is no single national registry to sign up for. The best way to find out if these programs exist in your area is to connect with local information and referral services.
If you are in the United States, you can search 211 United States or dial 211 to speak with a local specialist who can direct you to coordinated entry systems for housing.
If you are in Canada, you can use 211 Canada or 211 Ontario to find local housing help centres and outreach teams that operate under this model.
Navigating these systems takes time, and waitlists can be long. When you contact local services, you can ask specifically if they use a "Housing First" or "coordinated entry" approach for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the process of supporting a family member through housing instability and addiction, you do not have to figure it out alone. You can chat with our free, confidential assistant at Liam's Call to help organize your thoughts, explore options, and find gentle ways to support your loved one.
Sources referenced: SAMHSA homelessness resources
