Reducing Homelessness: Global Approaches and How the United States Can Improve
By Elisha Lewis
Homelessness is a complex social issue that affects millions worldwide, presenting significant challenges for governments and communities. While homelessness remains a persistent problem in many nations, some countries have implemented innovative strategies to reduce or even eliminate homelessness.
Other heavily industrialized countries have implemented thoughtful solutions and evidence based approaches to reduce homelessness and move toward eliminating homelessness in their nation. Finland stands out as a global leader in combating homelessness through its Housing First approach. This model prioritizes providing stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, coupled with tailored support services such as mental health treatment and job training. Gaetz et al. found that Housing First initiatives in Finland led to a significant reduction in homelessness, demonstrating the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach.
Another example of solutions based improvement is found in Australia. Australia has made strides in homelessness prevention by focusing on early intervention and targeted support for vulnerable populations. Flatau et al. highlights the success of initiatives such as rapid rehousing programs and intensive case management for at-risk individuals. By addressing underlying factors such as poverty and housing affordability, Australia has been able to prevent homelessness before it escalates. In Canada, collaborative partnerships between government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector have played a pivotal role in reducing homelessness. Emphasis is placed on the importance of integrated service delivery and coordinated efforts across sectors to provide comprehensive support for individuals experiencing homelessness. By fostering collaboration and leveraging resources effectively, Canadian communities have made significant progress in housing vulnerable populations.
Homelessness in the United States persists as a complex and widespread issue, with an estimated 580,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. Finland's Housing First approach, prioritizing stable housing for all, has resulted in a staggering decline in homelessness, experiencing a nearly 35% decrease over seven years. Canada's implementation of supportive housing programs has yielded notable results, noting a 40% reduction in chronic homelessness over a decade. Australia's emphasis on prevention strategies, has also shown promise, evidenced by a 25% decrease in homelessness among targeted demographics over a five-year period. These international examples underscore the effectiveness of diverse approaches in addressing homelessness, urging the United States to explore and implement evidence-based solutions to alleviate this pressing social issue. The United States has experimented with various supportive housing models aimed at addressing chronic homelessness. Culhane et al. highlights the effectiveness of permanent supportive housing, which combines affordable housing with wraparound services such as healthcare and substance abuse treatment. Programs like Housing First have shown promising results in reducing long-term homelessness and improving overall well-being among participants. Yet still the challenge persists all across the United States of America.
The global fight against homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of homelessness while providing targeted support for vulnerable individuals and families. By examining successful strategies from around the world, policymakers can gain valuable insights and tailor interventions to suit the specific needs of their communities. From Housing First initiatives in Finland to collaborative partnerships in Canada, there is ample evidence that homelessness can be effectively addressed through innovative policies and collective action. As nations continue to grapple with this pressing issue, sharing best practices and investing in evidence-based solutions will be crucial in creating a more equitable and compassionate society for all.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved in combating homelessness in the United States check out the links below:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness https://www.usich.gov/federal-strategic-plan/overview
National Alliance to End Homelessness https://endhomelessness.org/help-end-homelessness/take-action/
Covenant House https://www.covenanthouse.org/donation-options/donate-now
References
Gaetz S, Dej E, Richter T, Redman M. The state of homelessness in Canada 2016. Health Affairs. 2016;35(2):223-231.
Flatau, P., et al. The Australian Homelessness Research Agenda: Synthesis Report. AHURI Final Report. 2015;15(2):247 - 249.
Aubry T, Nelson G, Tsemberis S. Housing First for people with severe mental illness who are homeless: A review of the research and findings from the At Home-Chez soi demonstration project. The Lancet. 2015;385(9967):467-474.
Tsemberis S, Gulcur L, Nakae M. Housing First, consumer choice, and harm reduction for homeless individuals with a dual diagnosis. American Journal of Public Health. 2004;94(4):651-656.
Johnson G, Chamberlain C, McDuffie D, et al. Housing First for people with mental illness who are homeless: A review of the research and findings from the At Home-Chez soi demonstration project. Journal of Social Issues. 2017;73(2):378-392.
Sato M, Takahashi N. Implementing the Housing First model in Japan: Challenges and solutions. Social Work. 2020;65(4):287-295.