Housing-First Principles Proven Results Our Belief

Change begins with a vision and a single step

True change can begin once an individual has the safety and security of having a roof over their head. That is why we believe in the housing-first approach to ending homelessness.

Housing First Approach

Bartlett Housing Solutions focuses on assisting some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens in their own fight against homelessness. And for each individual, their journey, their struggle and their path forward is a little different as they work to overcome their homelessness. That is where our team and our programs can help identify, support and prepare each of our residents for the steps they need to overcome their homelessness.

In 2015, Bartlett Housing Solutions implemented a Housing-First homeless assistance approach. This approach prioritizes providing people experiencing homelessness with permanent housing as quickly as possible and then providing comprehensive support services to promote sustainable housing. The Housing-First model enables people to become housed first and then work to regain control over their lives and their health in a safe, secure environment; their home versus a shelter.

What Is
Housing-First?

Bartlett Housing Solutions is centered around the Housing-First operations guideline. Housing-First is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing people experiencing homelessness with permanent housing as quickly as possible – and then providing supportive services as needed.

While we recognize that there are many factors and challenges one faces during their situation, Housing-First believes that one cannot begin to resolve their challenges without the reassurance of a safe and reliable living environment.



Why Housing-First?

The Housing-First approach views housing as the foundation of life improvement. By enabling access to permanent housing, you provide the individual the safety and opportunity to take the necessary steps to overcome their homelessness.

Immediate access to permanent housing with no housing readiness required.

Providing clients with assistance in obtaining safe, secure and permanent housing as quickly as possible. Individuals are not required to first demonstrate they are ‘ready’ for housing, and program participation is voluntary.

Consumer choice and self-determination

Housing-First is a rights-based, client-centered approach that enables the client to exercise some choice regarding the location and type of housing they receive. The clients also have a choice in terms of what services they receive and when they start.

Recovery orientation

Recovery orientation focuses on the individual’s well-being and ensures that the clients have access to a range of supportive services that enable them to nurture and maintain social, recreational, educational, occupational and vocational activities. We also focus on harm reduction, often associated with substance abuse.

Individualized and client-driven support

A client-driven approach recognizes that individuals are unique, and so are their needs. Some people will need minimum support, while others will need support for the rest of their lives. Individuals will be provided with a range of treatment and supportive services that are voluntary, individualized, culturally-appropriate and portable.

Social and community integration

A client-driven approach recognizes that individuals are unique, and so are their needs. Some people will need minimum support, while others will need support for the rest of their lives. Individuals will be provided a range of treatment and supportive services that are voluntary, individualized, culturally-appropriate and portable.

Understanding
Homelessness

What do you think of when you hear “homeless”?

There are many categories of homelessness, and it can take many forms and can affect numerous people on a variety of levels, often less obvious and less noticeable. Understand more about the problem here.



The foundation of Housing-First is that people are better able to move forward with their lives if they are first housed. This is not only for those experiencing homelessness but also those with mental health and addiction issues, as well.

Housing is provided first and then support is provided including physical and mental health, education, employment, substance abuse and community connections. We believe that an individual cannot begin to address their specific challenges without a safe and reliable roof over their heads.

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