Precision Permanent Supportive Housing: A Data-Driven Approach To Addressing Chronic Homelessness

In 2023, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimated that 653,100 people experience homelessness in America. Of the 467,020 individuals in this one-night count, 143,105 (30 percent) are “chronically homeless,” a term defined as experiencing homelessness for longer than a year with a serious mental illness, substance use disorder, or physical disability. Multiple studies over the past several decades have shown high burden of medical disease and marked early mortality among chronically homeless adults. Many community-based organizations, policy makers, and health care providers have sought to address these individuals’ medical vulnerability and complex needs by helping them secure and maintain housing. To that end, the gold standard for addressing chronic homelessness is a “Housing First” approach to providing permanent supportive housing.