Homelessness

Supportive housing programs are proposed as a way of increasing housing access and stability for the chronically homeless, improving access to needed services, and decreasing vulnerability to HIV and other diseases.

Part of New York State’s Homelessness Action Plan includes an investment of new supportive housing resources and services over the next five years to address vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness.

Time and again, taking a narrow view of health care has proven ineffective in producing meaningful change. Yet the current thrust of health care reform remains firmly focused on traditional health care services.

Kaiser Permanente NW Community Benefit intends to award at least $1.5 million in community grants to support organizations that help people with behavioral health challenges to secure and maintain safe, stable housing.

This issue brief outlines ways in which Medicaid can support integrated strategies and, based on telephone interviews with key informants, profiles three current initiatives that illustrate distinctly different approaches to linking Medicaid and supportive housing.