Housing and health are intricately connected. People experiencing housing instability and chronic homelessness have worse health outcomes, less access to primary care, and higher hospital use than those with stable housing.
This complex issue has garnered much national attention over the past few decades from federal and state agencies, community-based organizations, and philanthropies. More recently, health care providers and plans have begun to invest more in housing, often in partnership with housing organizations.
Complex care stakeholders can use this Playbook Collection to explore evidence, tools, and case studies related to housing programs. Interventions highlighted include permanent supportive housing, medical respite care, affordable housing development, and other housing support services designed to improve the health of people experiencing homelessness and other populations with complex health needs who may have unstable housing.
What works in housing programs and supports?
Following are summaries of peer-reviewed research, evaluations, and reports on housing programs and supports. Many of these programs have demonstrated positive results, such as improved health outcomes and reduced costs and utilization.
What do these programs look like in practice?
Below find on-the-ground perspectives or experiences in implementing housing programs and supports for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Case studies outline details that may be useful for organizations interested in implementing these or similar interventions.
How can my organization implement this approach?
Following are practical tools and strategies that health systems and providers, health plans, policymakers, and other interested organizations can use when seeking to create or improve housing programs and supports.
Share your success: Let us know about your innovations in housing for people with complex needs.