Housing First, without services, doomed to fail
CityWatch LA's Tim Campbell describes how barrier-free housing programs, such as what SJ and LA provide, are not successful if used independently of other support measures—especially substance abuse and behavioral interventions. Many SJ locals like past councilmember Johnny Khamis are calling for more comprehensive strategies to address homelessness.
Housing First can be successful if it is one component of a toolbox of intervention strategies, including transitional housing and support services. (USICH 2020 Report). Unfortunately, in Los Angeles, Housing First has morphed into Housing Alone, where a near-obsessive emphasis on construction has financially starved other programs, and support services are virtually nonexistent.
Two separate studies show Housing Alone does not work. One, by the Stanford University Economic Policy Institute, stated “Meanwhile, Housing First showed no effects in reducing drug use, alcohol consumption, psychiatric symptoms, or enhancing the quality of life”. The other study, by the National Interagency Council on Homelessness, stated Housing First used as a standalone program is ineffective at reducing homelessness or behavioral and substance abuse issues.
I am not belittling the work of serious statistical scientists and survey professionals. Rather, I am criticizing the misuse some agencies make of their results. The difference between what should be and what is an important concept in professional auditing. Much of our work consists of documenting criteria (what should be) versus actual results (condition). The auditor’s job is to find out what’s causing the difference and recommend corrections. The program managers’ job is to implement changes to produce the desired outcomes.
Nevertheless, California’s public agencies, from the state to most cities, insist Housing First (Housing Alone) will work, even as the outcomes—the number of unhoused people—continue to worsen. They fixate on the criteria and ignore the condition.
This article originally appeared in CityWatch Los Angeles. Read the whole thing here.
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