Homelessness is a problematic reality that afflicts most urban communities in the United States. The federal government defines a homeless individual as one who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence or an individual whose primary nighttime residence is a supervised shelter, a temporary residence for those pending institutionalization or a public or private place not intended to accommodate a sleeping individual.
Cincinnati, Ohio experiences significant homelessness, but has done relatively little to alleviate it. In 2004, the city of Cincinnati significantly reduced its expenditures on human services, only to have it later restored to 50 percent of its previous level. Currently, the approach to alleviate homelessness in Cincinnati has taken a management-oriented approach. Los Angeles, a city comparable in size and homelessness demographics, has taken a more proactive approach by utilizing the Housing First model. This model seeks to eliminate homelessness by providing the homeless and their families with relatively inexpensive permanent housing and providing pursuant social services. The model asserts that the sequence of providing housing then services to the homeless is the best approach for ensuring a long-term solution for the homeless. The demographic similarities between Los Angeles and Cincinnati and the resounding national success of the model seem to indicate that Housing First is an applicable and effective solution to homelessness in Cincinnati.
On any given night in Cincinnati, around 2000 people are without shelter. In the last 15 years, Cincinnati's homeless population has seen a 150 percent increase. While Cincinnati does some human service contracting with nonprofit agencies, this approach has proven inadequate because it relies on outside agencies to coordinate aid to the homeless. While the non-profit agencies seek to treat the homeless problem, they are not provided adequate resources to move beyond mere management of the situation. A proactive alternative is necessary in order to significantly reduce the number of homeless people in Cincinnati.
The Housing First approach is a tried and true method of finding affordable housing for homeless individuals and their families. Through this method, they are provided housing and subsequently receive social services that are suited to help them adapt and live in a sustainable way in their new environment. The approach emphasizes an expedient relocation and access to services. The focus of the method is a progressive one; its objective is to rebuild lives-not simply relocate them. Also, this method is relatively cost-effective. Since each solution is designed on a case-by-case basis, all of the funds used with each case are effectively utilized, not lost in bureaucratic confusion. While the approach is generally successful, it has proven to be most effective when provided to homeless families and chronically homeless individuals.
Emphasizing a holistic approach to treating the homeless problem, the Housing First approach was put into practice in Los Angeles by a local group, Beyond Shelter. The group decided to use the Housing First approach to help homeless families below the poverty line. Beyond Shelter then worked with the families to identify practical housing options, and provided education to the adults concerning outlining the responsibilities of tenancy. Although they are voluntary after move-in, case management services continued to be used by most families. These services provide access to local organizations, which aids the individual needs of the families. After one year, the families were expected to have integrated into their respective local communities. The results of this program have been outstanding: for the 2,800 families that were involved in the program between 1989 and 2003, 85 percent were stabilized in their housing situation within one year.
Housing First will not entirely eliminate homelessness in Cincinnati, but if put into practice it will illustrate how tailored solutions to chronic homeless problems can be made effective and how participant families can achieve real results. The similarities of the cities-and the program's proven success rate-lend credence to the idea that the Housing First approach has the ability to positively change the homelessness problem in Cincinnati. Housing First has been responsible not only for housing thousands of formerly homeless but also for helping to address the underlying reasons behind their homelessness. The integration of a Housing First approach into the current welfare system of Cincinnati would be a watershed moment for advocates of a tangible, progressive and effective approach towards homelessness.
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