From the social policy journal "Duh"

May 6, 2015 7:19 AM

Meet the outsider who accidentally solved chronic homelessness

Homeless services once worked like a reward system. Kick an addiction, get a home. Take some medication, get counseling. But Tsemberis’s model, called “housing first,” said the order was backward. Someone has the best chance of improving if they’re stabilized in a home.
posted by Johnny Wallflower (5 comments total)

Homeless services once worked like a reward system.

This is how all American social services work. It's a shitty system.
posted by OmieWise at 7:25 AM on May 6, 2015

I think this is a good start but this FPP needs more meat. This piece is pretty fluffy and light on facts. I'm not arguing with the conclusions, but surely there is more to the story, some longer pieces on Tsemberis and his work? A quick Google search turns up a lot of articles and pieces. The Wikipedia article turns up opponents who question his methods, which would have made for a richer FPP.
posted by emjaybee at 7:35 AM on May 6, 2015

this previous FPP is more substantial.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 7:38 AM on May 6, 2015 [1 favorite]

This is how all American social services work. It's a shitty system.

It's true. They say "God helps those who help themselves," but why do Americans pass up opportunities to be more compassionate than God?
posted by Faint of Butt at 7:40 AM on May 6, 2015 [1 favorite]

They say "God helps those who help themselves"

It continues to astonish me that some people think God only wants to help those who don't need it.
posted by clockzero at 7:46 AM on May 6, 2015