In this episode, we learn about the Housing First program, one that houses people in recovery from addiction and mental health first, then supports them, instead of using housing as a reward for them to achieve. We learn how most programs just "cream" participants, meaning they choose the easiest to provide help to. Housing First, instead, as a program has an 80-90% success rate across the country. Our guest, Dr. Sam Tsemberis is clinical psychologist and the originator of the “Housing First”. Housing First has proven effective in ending homelessness and improving the quality of life for individuals with mental illness, addiction and health problems. It is a program based on the belief that housing is a basic human right. Dr. Tsemberis launched Housing First in 1992 at Pathways to Housing NY, an organization he founded to provide housing and supports. Subsequently he opened Pathways to Housing programs in Washington DC, Philadelphia, PA, Burlington, VT and most recently in Atlanta, GA. He is the Founder and CEO of the Pathways Housing First Institute and the Executive Director of the VA-UCLA Center of Excellence for Training and Research on Veteran’s Homelessness. Dr. Tsemberis provides training and support to support the dissemination of Housing First program across the US, Canada, EU, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, Housing First is a cornerstone of national and international policies addressing homelessness. His many publications include two books and his work has been recognized by Distinguished Contribution awards from American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, National Alliance to End Homelessness, and with a Meritorious Service Cross awarded by the Lieutenant Governor of Canada.

Resources:
Sam Tsemberis's website
Housing Fist PA website
Article on relationship between health inequity and housing 

Originally aired on May 22, 2020.

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