Housing and Shelter

 

Commonly recognized causes of homelessness include poverty, unemployment, and the lack of affordable housing. These risk factors can worsen mental and substance use disorders, trauma and violence, domestic violence, justice-system involvement, serious illnesses, divorce, death of a loved one, and disabilities. Housing and shelter programs can help address the causes of homelessness through different recovery support services.  

Different type of housing and shelter programs include:

• Emergency shelters: For people experiencing economic shock turn for support through a wide range of services.
• Transitional housing: Involves a temporary residence of up to 24 months with services to help individuals experiencing homelessness stabilize their lives.
• Permanent supportive housing: Safe and stable housing environments. Include voluntary and flexible supports and services to help individuals manage chronic issues such as mental and substance use disorders.
• Providing permanent supportive housing on a housing first basis is effective for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. It does not require transitional steps or sobriety. Individuals with a serious mental illness, substance use disorder have showed better housing stability and substance use compared to those living in housing with pre-requisites. 

Other strategies for preventing homelessness include:

• Programs that stabilize households through food stamps and programs for free school meals. 
• Benefits advocacy: helps individuals find public and entitlement benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance, veterans’ benefits, food stamps, childcare assistance, Medicaid, and low-income energy assistance.
• Case management that focuses on clients’ needs for housing assistance, and securing health insurance, childcare services, medical treatment, psychological services, food, and clothing.

If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk of homelessness, follow the link provided on the Department of Housing and Urban Development for a page of resources and information. 

https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/