West LA Times

A recent evaluation conducted by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research has revealed the positive impact of the Housing for a Healthy California program on individuals experiencing homelessness in the state. The program, which provided permanent housing to 230 individuals from January 2021 to December 2022, aimed to support those who had been without stable housing for over a year.

One key aspect of the program was the provision of supportive services tailored to each participant's needs. According to the evaluation, participants received assistance such as linking to primary care providers, behavioral health care services, peer support, and care management. Nadereh Pourat, director of the Health Economics and Evaluation Research Program at UCLA, emphasized the importance of additional support for those transitioning into permanent housing, stating, "Providing housing to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness is the crucial first step, but the needs of these individuals are complex. They require substantial assistance to ensure they remain housed."

The Housing for a Healthy California program's "housing-first" approach prioritizes providing supportive housing to Medi-Cal beneficiaries experiencing chronic homelessness and utilizing costly health services. The program not only offers housing but also focuses on building trust and rapport with participants through limited caseloads for case managers.

The evaluation showed promising results, with total Medi-Cal payments decreasing significantly for program beneficiaries compared to similar non-enrolled beneficiaries. Additionally, emergency room visits and hospitalizations declined following participants' enrollment in the program, highlighting the positive impact of stable housing on healthcare utilization.

Despite the successes observed, challenges were reported by the six counties involved in the program, including expensive housing markets and the need for a wide range of social and medical services. Pourat acknowledged these challenges, noting that the program's comprehensive approach of offering various services tailored to individual needs was crucial for its success.

In conclusion, the Housing for a Healthy California program serves as a promising example of a successful housing model that could be replicated in other regions. By providing supportive services in addition to housing, the program has shown significant potential in improving outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness in California.