The Minnesota Supportive Housing and Managed Care Pilot evaluation suggests that it is possible to end homelessness for the most marginalized single adults and families in America with housing and intensive supports. Although this population has experienced long spells of homelessness exacerbated by physical health problems, mental illness, chemical dependency and traumatic stress, we found that stable housing, recovery and reintegration into community life are possible. The intervention of supportive housing—housing and services focused on the unique needs of people exiting homelessness—broke the cycle of homelessness.
The program engaged participants with highly complex needs, averaging five years of homelessness prior to enrollment. Participants’ homelessness was exacerbated by medical problems, mental illness, chemical dependency, traumatic experiences, and for some, children with special needs. Pilot participants cost publicly funded systems at least $6,290 per person per year, on average, in mainstream services during the two years before enrollment. They also were enrolled 59 percent of the time in income support programs, and 72 percent of the time in health care programs. Single adults used far more publicly funded services than adults in families, or children. The average single adult used $13,954 per year in services, while family adults and children used $4,582 and $3,691, respectively. As households, families averaged pre-enrollment costs of $11,203 per year.