The demand for permanent supportive housing (PSH) is on the rise for individuals experiencing homelessness. Research indicates that this type of housing provides significant benefits for those in need.

Permanent supportive housing is a type of subsidized accommodation. It offers long-term, affordable living arrangements along with support services for people with disabilities or other special requirements who are either homeless or at risk of losing their homes.

This permanent supportive shelter can help disrupt the cycle of homelessness by offering stable, affordable housing for those in need.

Programs focused on Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) deliver ongoing rental assistance and provide on-site social services to qualifying households. Services include rehabilitation counseling, healthcare referrals, job training, and educational opportunities.

With these support services readily available, individuals who were previously homeless are more likely to secure employment and maintain stable housing over time.

What Permanent Supportive Housing Is Not:

• Transitional housing, which implies that residents are expected to leave after a set duration. Many individuals experiencing homelessness have been in this situation for an extended period and may struggle in other housing environments. This type of PSH has no expiration date or transition plan to another housing arrangement.
• Permanent supportive housing is not a shelter. A resident’s home remains theirs, requiring them to continue paying rent, just like any standard tenant.

How Does Permanent Supportive Housing Work?

As of 2013, permanent supportive housing programs have served about 100,000 individuals. Tenants benefit from rental assistance and access to a dedicated team of social services aimed at addressing medical, psychiatric, or substance abuse issues.

In some instances, tenants may initially pay rent to the city, and then financial assistance is directed towards reimbursing the city, leaving the tenant responsible for the remaining rent. Generally, tenants are expected to allocate 30% of their income to rental costs.

The most prevalent model is scattered-site housing, where tenants reside in private apartments located throughout the community.

A more recent model gaining traction is single room occupancy (SRO), which provides single rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms to individuals or couples, with access to a communal lounge and office for social interaction.

Permanent Supportive Housing Application

Permanent supportive housing offers assistance to individuals with disabilities and veterans. The objective of this housing model is to help individuals live independently, gain autonomy, and secure employment.

It’s important to note that permanent supportive housing is not suited for everyone and every situation. Prospective applicants undergo screening and assessment prior to acceptance into the program.

To qualify for this program, you need to meet the following criteria:

• You must have a physical or mental health condition that impedes your ability to work.
• You must have a low income.
• Your health issue has either already placed you in poverty or is likely to do so.
• You must be homeless or face the prospect of becoming homeless within the next 30 days.
• You must be addressing addiction issues.

It’s advantageous for applicants to have family or friends nearby who can offer support after they transition into permanent supportive housing.

Accepted applicants will be expected to fulfill the responsibilities of being good tenants. They will also have access to healthcare, treatment, and additional needed services.

Individuals admitted into the permanent supportive housing program will typically be required to contribute 30% of their monthly income.

If some applicants cannot afford to contribute at all, they may still be accepted, provided they commit to finding a way to pay rent after a 90-day period.

Applicants have the freedom to choose their living arrangements and roommates.