Housing First: An evidence review of implementation, effectiveness and outcomes

The review outlines the objectives and principles of Housing First and discusses different housing delivery models and the development of Housing First in the US, Canada, Australia and in the European context. [...] The evidence review has utilised a staged approach to identify quantitative and qualitative studies demonstrating the effectiveness of Housing First programs focusing on housing and non-housing outcomes for tenants and the cost-effectiveness of Housing First programs. [...] This article reviews the evidence of Housing First outcomes and discusses Kertesz and Johnson (2017) the challenges and concerns of implementing and applying the model in the Australian context. [...] A Housing First model suited to the Australian context should reflect the differences from the US and European contexts and identify and integrate the elements of Housing First that best support people to exit from chronic homelessness and help sustain their housing and address their needs (Kertesz and Johnson 2017). [...] 5.1 Measuring the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of Housing First programs Housing First programs are generally assessed in relation to tenant outcomes (housing and non-housing), the cost-effectiveness of programs, and, to a lesser extent, the impact on housing and homelessness systems.