> that the biggest problems for the visibly homeless are mental illness and substance abuse. I think there's some reasonable evidence that housing first approa

> that the biggest problems for the visibly homeless are mental illness and substance abuse. I think there's some reasonable evidence that housing first approaches are extremely helpful in addressing both mental illness and substance abuse. Housing creates an opportunity for both stability and routine, which are incredibly important for getting help and treatment for mental illness and substance abuse. I don't think the evidence is 100% conclusive yet, but I don't think a housing first approach can absolutely be helpful for both populations (but for different reasons!). I do think it makes sense to think about both of these populations, because they definitely don't have the all of the same needs. Pretty much everyone needs shelter and at least a small place to safety store items.