What does the term "housing first" mean in community development?

The term "housing first" refers to a community development strategy that prioritizes providing permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness without requiring preconditions such as sobriety, employment, or participation in treatment programs. This model is based on the understanding that stable housing is essential for individuals to achieve better outcomes in other areas of their lives, such as health, employment, and social stability.

The "housing first" approach recognizes that by providing immediate access to permanent housing, individuals can begin to address their other needs in a more secure environment. It is a client-centered approach that empowers individuals by allowing them to choose their housing and supportive services. This method has been shown to greatly improve the overall well-being of participants and is backed by various studies demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing homelessness.

Focusing solely on temporary housing solutions, targeting only low-income families, or dealing with home renovations do not align with the core principles of the "housing first" model, which centers around providing permanent solutions to homelessness without barriers.