What is permanent supportive housing?
HUD defines permanent supportive housing as long-term, community-based housing that has supportive services for homeless individuals with disabilities. This type of supportive housing enables special needs populations to live as independently as possible in a permanent setting. The supportive services may be provided by the organization managing the housing or coordinated by the applicant and provided by other public or private service agencies. Permanent housing can be provided in one structure or several structures at one site or in multiple structures at scattered sites.
Permanent supportive housing for Praxis clients often means stability not just in housing, but health. Study upon study has proven that permanent supportive housing enables individuals to become productive members of society. Many people placed in permanent supportive housing have never had a home of their own. For those living with a chronic illness, not having a home can mean the difference between life and death. When one is struggling just to find a place to live, healthcare becomes less of a priority.
According to a Lewin Group study from 2004, supportive housing also saves money. The following numbers indicate the cost per night for each service, whether it be prison or a shelter.
- Supportive Housing $41.85
- Shelter $54.42
- Prison $74.00
- Jail $164.57
- Mental Hospital $467
- Hospital $1185
By giving people a home and supportive services, this also dramatically cuts down the rate of emergency room visits, and thus also cuts costs to the general community.
The supportive services that residents of permanent supportive housing sites receive are also invaluable. Residents have case workers who help them with life skills as well as with maintaining their health by ensuring they get to appointments and maintaining their drug regimen.
At Praxis, we’ve seen people literally come in with nothing but the clothes on their backs and they’ve gone on to live in their own apartments. Countless residents have gone on to further their education and become active members of the communities in which they live.
It’s simple. Housing saves lives.