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 homeless residents often cycle through shelters, jails, and emergency rooms—costly and ineffective. Housing First programs in other cities have reported better housing stability, lower use of emergency services, and improved health outcomes. I implement 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 are expensive ways to respond to homelessness. Housing First provides homes and services, with better outcomes.
My 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).