Reducing Reliance on Expensive Public Services for Homeless Chronic Inebriates through Housing First

• In Event: The Intersection of Public Policy and Service Needs Among Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Chronically homeless individuals with substance abuse disorders are high utilizers of expensive public health and public safety services. These individuals lack the combination of stable housing and support services necessary to address their substance abuse problems and prevent repeated episodes of homelessness and institutionalization. In this paper, we present results of an outcome assessment designed to measure the impact of a scattered site housing first program for homeless chronic inebriates. Individuals selected for the program underwent screening to confirm they were highly vulnerable. Program entry was also limited to the highest utilizers of the safety sleep off center for publicly inebriated individuals unable to care for themselves. The outcome assessment used a before and after treatment group only design. We measured impact on service utilization using up to one year of follow-up data from the fire department, police, jail, and sleep off center. Results show reduced use of expensive public health and public safety services post-program relative to pre-program and associated reductions in service costs. Promising results in this urban area along with a wide evidence base elsewhere suggest that we should expand the program.

Author

• Marny S Rivera, University of Alaska Anchorage