Suicidality Among Chronically Homeless People with Alcohol Problems Attenuates Following Exposure to Housing First

Abstract

This study is the first to document suicidality among chronically homeless people with alcohol problems (N = 134) and examine its trajectory following exposure to immediate, permanent, low-barrier housing (i.e., Housing First). Suicidal ideation, intent, plans, and prior attempts were assessed at baseline and during a 2-year follow-up. Baseline suicidal ideation was over four times higher than in the general population. Two-year, within-subjects, longitudinal analyses indicated severity of suicidal ideation decreased by 43% from baseline to follow-up. Significant decreases were also found for intent and clinical significance of ideation. No participants died by suicide during the 2-year follow-up.