Since 2013, Integral Care has used the Housing First model in a variety of sites throughout Austin. Experience has shown that it works in our community to increase housing stability and reduce overutilization of public resources. Eighty-five percent of individuals stay housed for 12 months or more. An analysis of 39 people housed for 12 months and provided wraparound services showed significant reductions in encounters with law enforcement and decreased utilization of health services such as EMS transport and hospital stays. These included:
- 71% fewer inpatient psychiatric hospital stays
- 29% fewer inpatient medical hospital stays
- 51% fewer days spent incarcerated
These and other dramatic decreases in service utilization translate into real savings for our community. Based on the results achieved through our current Housing First efforts, we estimate that housing 50 more individuals, who are chronically homeless, will result in savings of at least $1 million per year.