The number of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in the US has increased substantially in recent years. The leading cause of death among PEH is drug overdose, with opioids accounting for the majority of such deaths.
This study aims to assess the costs and health outcomes of providing stable housing to PEH who have opioid use disorder (OUD).
This economic evaluation conducted a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis of PEH with OUD in the US.
The evaluation found that investing in stable housing for this marginalized population, even with no requirement to enter OUD treatment, was associated with cost-effectiveness, fewer deaths, and improved health outcomes. Efforts are urgently needed to improve the health of PEH with OUD; it is essential to understand the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of housing provision for this marginalized population because housing status is a key social determinant of health.
