Evidence-Based Strategies to Build Stability for People Experiencing Homelessness

Helping individuals and families exit homelessness and achieve long-term stability requires proven, compassionate, and coordinated approaches. The following evidence-based strategies are widely recognized for their effectiveness in supporting people on their journey toward housing, health, and independence.

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1

Housing First

Housing First is a nationally recognized model that prioritizes providing permanent housing without preconditions like employment, sobriety, or program participation.

Once individuals have a safe place to live, supportive services—such as counseling, case management, and life skills training—help them maintain housing and rebuild their lives.

Research shows that Housing First significantly reduces chronic homelessness, improves housing retention rates, and lowers public costs related to emergency services.

2

Rapid Re-Housing

Rapid Re-Housing helps individuals and families quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing.

This approach typically includes:

  • Short-term rental assistance
  • Help finding and securing housing
  • Case management and connection to local resources
    Rapid Re-Housing is especially effective for families and individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time, reducing the length of shelter stays and preventing a return to homelessness.
3

Supportive Housing and Wraparound Services

Supportive housing combines affordable housing with intensive, often long-term services such as:
Mental health support

  • Substance use treatment
  • Medical care
  • Employment and financial coaching
  • This model is especially effective for people with complex needs or chronic homelessness. It promotes housing stability, increases self-sufficiency, and reduces hospitalizations and incarceration.
4

Trauma-Informed Care

Many individuals experiencing homelessness have faced trauma, including domestic violence, childhood abuse, or military combat.

Trauma-informed care emphasizes safety, trust, empowerment, and choice. Service providers are trained to recognize trauma’s impact and avoid re-traumatization. This approach enhances engagement, improves mental health outcomes, and supports healing and resilience.

5

Employment and Income Support

Achieving financial stability is a key step towards long-term housing success. Evidence-based employment strategies include:

  • Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for people with mental health conditions
  • Job readiness programs and vocational training
  • Benefits counseling and support applying for SSI/SSDI or other income sources.
  • Combining employment services with housing and case management leads to higher rates of income stability and independence.
6

Coordinated Entry Systems

A coordinated entry system ensures people are connected to the right resources quickly and efficiently. This system:

  • Uses standardized barriers assessments to match individuals with the most appropriate housing solutions
  • Reduces duplication of services
  • Helps communities use resources more effectively by serving people who need the most help first
  • Coordinated entry is a key factor in building equitable access and reducing the time people spend without stable housing.
7

Prevention and Diversion

Preventing homelessness is often more effective and less costly than responding after a crisis occurs. Evidence-based prevention strategies include:

  • Rental and utility assistance
  • Mediation with landlords or family members
  • Legal support for eviction prevention
  • Diversion helps people avoid entering shelters by identifying safe alternatives, such as staying temporarily with family or friends, and providing problem-solving support.