What is Permanent Supportive Housing?

January 7, 2019

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) helps to offset the cost of housing with supportive services for vulnerable populations. It is permanent housing - there are no time limits. The supportive services are most commonly provided by mental health, substance recovery and health agencies. 

PSH is typically for disabled individuals experiencing homelessness and who have vulnerabilites that make it very difficult for them to be able to find and maintain housing on their own.  

PSH is an evidenced-based practice, which means it has been studied and proven to be successful at achieving its goal, which is to help clients maintain their housing. Communities usually utilize an assessment tool to determine vulnerability and then prioritize housing placement based on length of homelessness and severity of vulnerability. PSH does not have prerequisites, and an individual or family does not have to demonstrate sobriety or active participation in their mental health care to be eligible for housing placement.