Housing FIRST and Housing FAST

Addressing Housing Instability Through Urgency and Precision

The "Housing FIRST" model has been instrumental in ensuring access to stable housing as a foundation for improved well-being. However, a complementary "Housing FAST" strategy is critical for addressing housing instability and preventing individuals and families from sliding into homelessness. When people face unstable living conditions, time is of the essence. Delays can turn temporary setbacks into long-term crises, with profound health and social consequences.

Housing instability, characterized by frequent moves, overcrowding, inaccessibility, or the threat of eviction, undermines health and stability. It disrupts routines, strains family dynamics, and increases anxiety and stress. Without swift intervention, these challenges can escalate, making it significantly harder for individuals to regain stability. A "Housing FAST" approach prioritizes rapid placement into suitable existing housing, mitigating the risk of long-term instability and its cascading effects.

Existing housing programs face significant limitations because they often rely on the nation’s strained Affordable Housing infrastructure, which is oftentimes overwhelmed by massive waitlists. Many programs also depend on lengthy processes like changing zoning laws or large-scale, resource-intensive construction projects, making them slow and less effective at addressing immediate housing needs.

Consider Maria, a 26-year-old single mother working two jobs to support her toddler. When her landlord unexpectedly increased the rent, Maria found herself unable to keep up with the payments and received an eviction notice. She faced the prospect of having to move into a crowded shelter or rely on friends for temporary accommodations, which would disrupt her child's daycare and her ability to work. Through a "Housing FAST" initiative, Maria was quickly matched with a local landlord offering an affordable two-bedroom apartment. We helped her secure emergency rental assistance and provided support with the lease process. Within weeks, Maria and her child were in a stable home, allowing her to focus on her career and her family without the fear of displacement.

Then there’s James, a 74-year-old widower living in a two-story home that had become unmanageable due to his mobility challenges. After a fall and a subsequent hospital stay, it became clear that James could no longer navigate the stairs or maintain his home. He faced the possibility of moving into a nursing facility, which he didn’t want and didn’t need. Our "Housing FAST" team worked with James to quickly identify a ground-floor apartment in a senior-friendly complex. With assistance for downsizing and moving, James transitioned to a home where he could live independently and comfortably. The swift action prevented further health complications and allowed him to maintain his autonomy.

Finally, meet Robert, a 48-year-old Medicaid recipient who had recently been released from incarceration. Despite securing a job at a local warehouse, Robert struggled to find housing due to his criminal history, which left him vulnerable to potential homelessness. He was living in his car and dealing with untreated hypertension, which was exacerbating his health risks. Through a "Housing FAST" program, Robert was quickly connected to a landlord who participated in a housing initiative that supports reentry individuals. We assisted him with covering the security deposit and the first month’s rent, while also coordinating with a local health clinic to address his medical needs. With stable housing, Robert could focus on his job, manage his health, and build a more secure future.

While increasing the housing supply is crucial, building new units takes time. In contrast, a "Housing FAST" strategy focuses on efficiently connecting people to existing housing resources. This includes streamlining assessments, reducing administrative barriers, and offering immediate support for rent, relocation, or mediation with landlords. By acting quickly, this approach prevents instability from evolving into crises, keeping families and individuals securely housed.

Housing instability also has direct health implications. Constant uncertainty over shelter increases stress, exacerbates chronic conditions, and limits access to healthcare. Stable housing reduces these risks by providing a consistent environment for managing health, ensuring proper nutrition, and fostering mental well-being. By emphasizing speed in addressing housing instability, we can reduce the negative health outcomes associated with prolonged uncertainty.

A "Housing FAST" approach is not just about urgency—it’s about precision. It seeks to match individuals with housing that meets their immediate needs while providing pathways to long-term stability. When combined with "Housing FIRST," which ensures accessibility and support without conditions, this strategy creates a robust framework for addressing housing instability and preventing homelessness.

Ultimately, housing stability is about more than having a roof over one’s head. It is the foundation for health, opportunity, and a sense of security. A "Housing FAST" approach recognizes that when it comes to housing instability, speed matters. By acting quickly and decisively, we can stop temporary challenges from becoming lifelong barriers, helping individuals and families thrive.