Practical strategies and tools can support successful integration of peer support workers into homeless services.

Background

People experiencing homelessness often face significant challenges in accessing and navigating health and social services. Growing evidence suggests that peer support services can reduce substance use disorder harms and homelessness-related costs, improve access to care and resources, and lower rates of morbidity and mortality. As such, there is an increasing need for peer-delivered services and staff tailored to this population. This tool is designed to help homeless service providers develop and deliver effective peer support programs.

About this Tool

This tool provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and implementing peer support within homeless service delivery, along with guidance on the internal processes needed to prepare for and sustain integration. It includes recommendations for recruiting and hiring peers, addressing challenges related to peers’ prior legal system involvement, and offering ongoing support to peer workers.

Program/Policy Takeaways

Health care treatment teams, crisis response systems, and homeless-serving organizations and providers can benefit from this toolkit as it helps them establish effective peer support programs that align with national standards and best practices.