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| Ranking |
Evidence-Based Practice |
| Description |
Pathways to Housing, Inc. (PTH) is a non-profit organization that provides stable and independent housing to chronically homeless mentally ill individuals. Unlike other housing assistance programs that require sobriety and substance abuse treatment from their participants, PTH does not require sobriety in order for individuals to receive housing assistance. Rather, PTH specializes in delivering housing to homeless individuals with dual diagnosis (mental health and substance abuse problems), who make up a majority of the chronically homeless mentally ill population in the United States. Following the delivery of housing assistance, PTH provides aid to its participants through an interdisciplinary assertive community treatment that is delivered by mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors, and money management consultants. By preventing their participants from entering psychiatric wards, shelters, and jails, PTH reduces the financial burden of homelessness on local communities. Initiated in New York City, the PTH model has been replicated in over forty cities around the world. |
| Goal / Mission |
The goal of Pathways to Housing, Inc. is to provide independent housing, treatment services for physical and mental health, and employment to mentally ill individuals who are chronically homeless. |
| Results / Accomplishments |
In a randomized study conducted between 1996 and 2000 in New York City and reviewed by the NYU School of Social Work, PTH was found to maintain a participant retention rate (i.e., participants who maintained permanent housing) of 87% (n=99) over a four-year period. When the PTH group was compared to comparable treatment first programs (programs in which participants are required to receive treatment and maintain sobriety before receiving housing assistance, n=126), there was no significant difference between the two groups in self-reported alcohol and substance abuse over a four-year period of time. PTH succeeded in providing housing for homeless individuals with dual diagnosis with no negligible effect in terms of the substance abuse habits of its participants when compared with the control group. While individuals in the treatment first programs utilized treatment services more frequently than PTH participants, this had no significant impact on their substance abuse problems. Pathways to Housing, Inc. has received numerous awards for its projects in New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. |
| Categories |
Economy / Homelessness
Health / Mental Health & Mental Disorders
Health / Substance Abuse
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| Date of Publication |
2006 |
| Date of Implementation |
2000 |
| Geographic Type |
Urban |
| Location |
City: NYC, DC, Philadelphia |
| Primary Contact |
Pathways National Office
186 E. 123rd Street
New York NY 10035
(212) 289-0000
info@pathwaystohousing.org
http://www.pathwaystohousing.org/
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| For more details |
http://rsw.sagepub.com/content/16/1/74.abstract
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| Target Audience |
Adults, Homeless |
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