Housing First
Definition
Homelessness intervention providing permanent housing without preconditions (sobriety, treatment compliance, employment), then offering supportive services. Proven more effective and cheaper than shelter-based approaches. Recognizes housing as prerequisite for stability.
Louisville Context
Louisville’s 1,500-2,000 homeless residents often cycle through shelters, jails, and emergency rooms—costly and ineffective. Housing First programs (Salt Lake City, Houston) show: 90%+ housing retention, 75% cost savings vs. emergency services, improved health outcomes. Dave implements Housing First: (1) create 500 permanent supportive housing units over 4 years, (2) pair with wellness center services, (3) end criminalization of homelessness, (4) rapid rehousing assistance.
Why It Matters
Requiring homeless people to get sober or employed before housing is backwards—stability requires housing first. Emergency rooms, jails, and shelters cost $50,000+ per person annually. Housing First provides homes and services for $15,000-20,000, with far better outcomes.
Dave’s Proposal
Implement Housing First: create 500 permanent supportive housing units paired with wellness center services, rapid rehousing assistance, and end criminalization of homelessness (camping bans).