American Journal of Public Health · 2013 · 47 citations · 10 references
Public HealthHealth Services AdministrationPsychiatryHomelessnessHousingMental Health CareAssertive Community TreatmentChronic HomelessnessHomelessness PreventionHousing First ApproachesRural HomelessnessRural TelehealthAssertive Community Treatment TransitionHousing First ImplementationHousing First Referral PathwaysLong-term Housing RetentionMental Health Community CareMental Health Supportive HousingMultidisciplinary CollaborationRetention Rate Analysis
The benefits of Pathways Housing First in addressing chronic homelessness for persons with severe mental illness have been well established. However, the implementation and effectiveness of such programs in rural areas has yet to be examined. We described the model's adaptations in Vermont, including the use of hybrid assertive community treatment-intensive case management teams, which consisted of service coordinators with geographically based caseloads (staff/client ratio of 1:20) and regional multidisciplinary specialists. The program's innovative and widespread inclusion of technology into operations facilitated efficiency and responsiveness, and a pilot telehealth initiative supplemented in-person client visits. The program achieved a housing retention rate of 85% over approximately 3 years, and consumers reported decreased time spent homeless, demonstrating that program adaptations and technological enhancements were successful.
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