The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) often uses data to evaluate the progress of the Housing First initiative, yet homelessness continues to pose a significant challenge. While stable housing is vital, additional support including mental health care and substance use treatment is necessary but often overlooked.
Affordable housing scarcity is a critical issue that remains inadequately addressed. HUD data indicates that less than 25% of households eligible for federal housing assistance receive support, leaving over 6 million Americans on waiting lists. This shortfall reflects longstanding political decisions.
Public housing construction has dwindled significantly since the late 1970s. In 1979, 55,000 units were added, but by 1984, this number fell to zero. Current federal housing assistance constitutes 0.8% of the budget, down from 2.2% in 1980. Ascribe rising homelessness solely to service models overstates their impact amid a housing shortage.
Tackling homelessness effectively requires collaboration between HUD, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Evidence of successful coordination is seen in the partnership between HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This collaboration has led to a 56% decline in veteran homelessness since 2010, highlighting the value of integrating housing with clinical services.
Faith-based organizations have historically played a crucial role in community building and support for rehabilitation. Programs that combine efforts of faith communities, clinical providers, and housing solutions demonstrate strong results, indicating the importance of expanding these partnerships.
The 2026 Continuum of Care Program Notice of Funding Opportunity suggests a shift towards transitional housing and compliance requirements. However, evidence from randomized controlled trials in the U.S. and Canada shows that these approaches deliver poorer housing outcomes compared to Housing First. Policy shifts should be based on thorough public engagement with researched evidence.
Ultimately, the goal is consistent: enable individuals to recover and live independently. A well-resourced Housing First approach, coupled with necessary clinical and social services, alongside increased investment in affordable housing, is crucial to achieving this aim.
Benjamin Henwood, Ph.D., is a professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and director of the Homelessness Policy Research Institute. He co-authored “Housing First: Ending Homelessness, Transforming Systems and Changing Lives.”