Our Approach

The average cost savings to the public ranges from $900 to $29,400 per person per year after entry into a Housing First program.

Source: December 2020, The Preventive Effect of Housing First on Health care utilization and costs among chronically homeless individuals: new evidence using propensity score analysis.

Housing First

Addresses Basic Needs First

We follow an evidence-based, systems approach called “Housing First” which prioritizes a person’s basic needs–housing and food. It is most effective when coupled with wraparound support services that meet the needs and choices of the people being served.

Once stably housed, individuals are better able to take advantage of programming that addresses addiction, mental health disorders, health conditions, and other issues impeding transition to stable housing and improved quality of life. This approach also involves continuously engaging individuals and responding to their needs.

Housing first fact sheet

Housing First has been carefully studied over the years and is cited as the most effective way to end homelessness. This is due to its emphasis on low-barrier access to permanent housing. This means individuals are able to utilize a community resource, like New Day Intake Center, regardless of their income, sobriety, criminal history, successful completion of a treatment program, or participation in supportive services.

Review Recent Studies
Flowchart illustrating how housing first reduces barriers to permanent housing, showing program participation, employment, and sobriety leading to housing stability, versus the traditional approach that requires households to meet various goals first, creating barriers and lengthening homelessness.

Source: National Alliance to End Homelessness, Pressure Points Resource Series.

A middle-aged man with a white beard and light skin, wearing a Black Label jacket, a dark tank top, a cap with the words 'HUNT AND HUNT' and some snakes, and a lanyard around his neck, standing outdoors with green foliage in the background.

Leo - survived 8 years of homelessness

“I had been living downtown next to the bus station. When I got here, I slept on the floor next to my bed for the first two weeks.

I couldn’t sleep in a bed if I tried. About two weeks later, I found the courage to try. Now, I’m picking myself back up thanks to everybody here. I’m getting sober and I’m getting me a new job. What gives me hope? Getting back in touch with my daughter and grandson. That’s what keeps me living today.”

Permanent Supportive Housing

Housing First in

Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is a housing assistance program that helps chronically homeless people transition to affordable housing with support services. PSH is based on the "Housing First" approach, which prioritizes providing housing without preconditions.

Permanent
Supportive Housing

Cost-Effectiveness

Can lower public costs 

Criminality

Can reduces arrests and interactions with police

Housing Retention

Can improve housing stability

Health

Can improve health outcomes

PSH Fact sheet