What’s the Right Approach?

In the past few years, I’ve read hundreds of articles and written numerous viewpoints
about the importance of affordable housing for the homeless. Politicians, policy, and
program advocates have concluded that housing is the panacea to ending
homelessness. Their conclusion is that if a homeless person is housed then the
problem will be solved. It’s an interesting theory. Let’s explore it.
The Root Causes of Homelessness
To better understand the issue, let’s consider one of the major causes of homelessness.
Imagine a family’s sole provider (a gender-neutral term to avoid pronoun issues) loses their job
due to downsizing. Without a steady income, they struggle to cover healthcare costs, mortgage
payments, utilities, food, and other financial obligations. Homelessness becomes inevitable.
Through no fault of their own, the provider accumulates medical debt, leading to foreclosure and
eviction. The resulting financial strain creates family conflict, which escalates into domestic
violence. A divorce follows, and the provider, now battling alcoholism, finds themselves living on
the streets or in shelters.
This scenario is not uncommon. While specific causes may vary, the end result is often the
same—no money, no home.
Government Responses to Homelessness
When someone becomes homeless, the immediate focus is finding affordable housing. Federal,
state, and local governments have implemented various policies and programs, such as:
● Subsidized housing—support for individuals or families to own or rent at reduced
costs.
● Vouchers and rental assistance—financial aid for rent payments.
● Emergency shelters—short-term housing solutions with support services.
● Transitional housing—temporary assistance aimed at helping individuals secure
permanent housing.
● Public housing—government-managed residential properties for low-income individuals
and families.
The most heavily funded initiative is Housing First, a program designed to provide permanent
housing without preconditions such as sobriety or treatment completion. Since the 1990s,
billions of dollars have been allocated to Housing First, and proponents cite data showing its

success in securing housing for homeless individuals. However, while the program has housed
many, it has not eradicated homelessness. In fact, despite continued funding, the homeless
population continues to grow annually.
Housing First- A Flawed Approach?
My issue is not whether Housing First is successful or whether it is overfunded. My concern is
that housing assistance is provided to individuals struggling with mental health issues,
alcoholism, and substance abuse—without requiring treatment first. How can someone maintain
employment and manage the responsibilities of homeownership or tenancy if they are not sober
or receiving adequate treatment?
I believe the Housing First model would be more effective if it prioritized Rehabilitation First.
Addressing the root causes of homelessness—mental health challenges, addiction, and
financial instability—before providing permanent housing could lead to more sustainable
outcomes. While getting homeless individuals off the streets and out of shelters is a valid
objective, we must also consider the long-term implications and the financial burden of
ineffective solutions.
Housing is undoubtedly a crucial part of addressing homelessness. However, for true success,
we must focus on rehabilitation first—ensuring individuals are equipped to maintain stable
housing, employment, and self-sufficiency.