Following are summaries of peer-reviewed research, evaluations, and reports on housing programs and supports. Many of these programs have demonstrated positive results, such as improved health outcomes and reduced costs and utilization.
Medical Respite Care
Explores evidence on the effectiveness of medical respite care and the impacts this approach has on patient outcomes, hospital visits, and costs.
Permanent Supportive Housing with Housing First: Findings from a Community Guide Systematic Economic Review
The economic benefits of permanent supportive housing programs with a Housing First approach exceed the costs in the U.S., with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.8:1.
Implementation and 12-Month Health Service Utilization and Cost Outcomes from a Managed Care Health Plan's Permanent Supportive Housing Program
Study details permanent supportive housing program implementation and how this impacts outcomes and costs.
Improving Health Care through Housing First
A randomized controlled trial found Denver’s Housing First program led to positive impacts on health and utilization for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and frequent periods of incarceration.
Effects of Permanent Supportive Housing on Health Care Utilization and Spending Among New Jersey Medicaid Enrollees Experiencing Homelessness
A permanent supportive housing program reduced emergency department visits within the first six months of placement but showed neutral effects on total cost of care and primary care utilization for Medicaid enrollees.
Housing Boston’s Chronically Homeless Unsheltered Population: 14 Years Later
Over 14 years, individuals experiencing chronic homelessness enrolled in a permanent supportive housing program had low housing retention and high mortality.
Medical Respite Literature Review: An Update on the Evidence for Medical Respite Care
A review of existing literature finds that medical respite care reduces hospital and emergency department visits, increased use of outpatient care, and leads to overall cost savings.
A Social-Return-On-Investment Analysis Of Bon Secours Hospital’s ‘Housing For Health’ Affordable Housing Program
An affordable housing program in Baltimore generates between $1.30-$1.92 of “social return” in the community for every dollar invested annually.
The Preventive Effect of Housing First on Health Care Utilization and Costs Among Chronically Homeless Individuals
Demonstrates that Housing First programs and associated support services reduced health care related expenditures for the Massachusetts Medicaid program.
Thirty-Day Hospital Readmission Among Homeless Individuals with Medicaid in Massachusetts
Discharge to medical respite care leads to lower hospital readmission rates among individuals who are frequently admitted to the hospital.
Changes in Physical Health After Supported Housing: Results from the Collaborative Initiative to End Chronic Homelessness
A permanent supportive housing program did not improve most measures related to physical health for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, but did improve access to and trust in primary care.
Support and Services at Home Evaluation: SASH Evaluation Findings, 2010-2016
Program based in affordable housing sites for older adults and people with disabilities has favorable impact on Medicare and Medicaid expenditures and helps residents remain in community settings.
