Housing First

Although Housing First has gained national attention, there is no official definition describing its principles, though many organizations define what Housing First means to them. In general, the Housing First philosophy is applied differently depending on the environment in which the program operates and the population served. This is especially true for Housing First programs designed for families. HFF believes that any Housing First program for families should embrace the following principles:

  • Housing is a human right, and homeless and at-risk families should be housed as quickly as possible. This would make the shelter system a truly temporary response.
  • An effective assessment process should be in place – ensuring families have access to affordable, safe housing, appropriate supports, resources and opportunities.
  • Families should be moved directly into housing without first having to prove they are “housing ready” by completing a series of service requisites.
  • Once housed, support services should not be mandated in order to maintain housing and should be research based to increase the families’ likelihood of maintaining and achieving housing stability.
  • Families, in collaboration with a service and/or shelter provider, should construct and implement a plan leading to economic stability. This plan should evolve over time, be driven by the families’ goals and be reformulated if certain elements are not achieved; however families should not lose housing if the plan is not fulfilled but efforts should be made to rework it.
  • Families have leases in their name and tenancy protection under the law.


For more information about the Housing First philosophy, see National Perspectives on Housing First.

Find Housing First Resources

See Housing First in the News

Find information about The New Approaches to Family Homelessness Forum Series:




"The HFF staff understands the complicated language of public policy. They share that understanding with families and providers to create a powerful collective voice for social change”


-Stephanie Brown, Director of Housing and Homeless Services, DTA