Housing First is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness. Unlike the traditional stepped approach to housing, Housing First does not require people experiencing homelessness to address mental health or substance use or move through a series of services programs before they can access housing. In addition, Housing First does not mandate participation in services before obtaining housing or in order to retain housing. 

The factsheet provides information about the following:

• What is Housing First?
• How is Housing First different from other approaches?
• Who can be helped by Housing First?
• Does Housing First work?