HOUSING FIRST MODEL – Everything starts at home!

SUMMARY

To address the homelessness problem by prioritizing access to permanent Housing as an essential right. It efficiently reduces the number of homeless people and is cost-effective. Its daily per capita cost is approximately like a shelter’s.

The program was launched four years ago in Chile and is set for people over 50 with at least five years of experiencing homelessness. So far, over 700 participants have left the streets and live with dignity; 98% remain in their homes. Its fundamental principle is that people can better advance their lives if they are first housed and their essential rights are respected. Then, further services can be provided (health, treatment, employment, etc.), benefiting their lives and community.

CHALLENGE

Homelessness is one of the cruelest and most degrading ways of poverty. In that way, people experiencing homelessness have always been a high priority for the Hogar de Cristo. The longer a person lives as homeless, the less possibility to reinsert.

SOLUTION

The Housing First Social Program is based on the idea that all people deserve adequate Housing as an essential right and, first and foremost, to improve anything else. Over 530 people 50+ have participated in the program; however, there is still a long way to go. Your valuable support will be highly appreciated to continue retrieving its trajectories of inclusion.

LONG-TERM IMPACT

The Housing First model was launched in the United States, Canada, and some European countries in the 80’s. After 2 to 5 years of evaluation, the experience is that 70-80% of those who participated in the program stayed off the streets, and 70% reduced their alcohol consumption.

Hogar de Cristo USA – Sept 1^st, 2023