Cleveland’s Solution to Long-Term Homelessness
In Ohio’s Cuyahoga County, 9,000 people were homeless in 2008.
But 186 chronically homeless individuals weren’t among them. They were not roaming the streets. Or in shelters. Or in the ER. Or panhandling. Or even being overcome by addiction.
Dignity and progress toward major life goals begins with a permanent, safe home.
They were thriving, finally, in communities created by the Housing First initiative.
Housing First’s philosophy is that a permanent, safe place to live is a prerequisite to employment and recovery goals. The idea is part of a growing national trend, and research shows that it’s working. When the daily struggle of locating housing is removed, people can achieve sobriety, regain dignity and progress toward major life goals.
Hear from six Housing First residents by using the links to the right.
