Housing First.

(1) The Housing First approach to homelessness provides permanent housing assistance, followed by support services responsive to individual or family needs once housing is obtained. By using this approach, communities can significantly reduce the amount of time that individuals and families are homeless and prevent further episodes of homelessness. Housing First emphasizes that social services provided to enhance individual and family well-being can be more effective when people are in their own home, and:

(a) The housing is not time-limited.

(b) The housing is not contingent on compliance with services. Instead, participants must comply with a standard lease agreement.

(c) Individuals and families are provided with individualized services and support necessary to help them maintain stable housing.

(2) The Housing First approach addresses the societal causes of homelessness and advocates for the immediate return of individuals and families into housing and communities. Housing First links affordable housing with community-based social service and health care organizations and consists of four components:

(a) Crisis intervention and short-term stabilization.

(b) Screening, intake, and needs assessment.

(c) Provision of housing resources.

(d) Provision of case management.