This month's episode of Out of the Streets of Portland focuses on the Housing First model, a research-based practice which rapidly ends homelessness, is cost-effective, and positively impacts quality of life and community functioning. This model is particularly effective among people who have been homeless for long periods of time and have serious psychiatric disabilities, substance use disorders, and/or other disabilities.
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Marisa Zapata, the head of the Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative at Portland State University, as well as Juha Kahila, the International Affairs Coordinator at the Y-Foundation in Finland, a country that has made effective use of the Housing First model for decades. We also share the story of T., who was living in an abandoned car for two years until she connected with a caseworker at the Urban League, who helped her navigate services and got her into housing. Now, T. has her own apartment for the first time in years.
- KBOO