The use of the housing first model with non-traditional populations: a scoping review

Housing First (HF) programs have primarily focused programming on chronically homeless individuals also experiencing substance use and/or mental health disorders. However, more recently this housing model has been applied to other populations. This scoping review highlights the current research on non-traditional populations using HF programs and highlights adaptations that have been made to meet their unique needs. Systematic scoping review. The literature revealed seven non-traditional populations experiencing homelessness using HF programming including programs targeting: (1) exclusively women; (2) families; (3) older adults; (4) DV/IPV survivors; (5) HIV/AIDS; (6) transition-age youth; and (7) individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. HF programs are expanding and using the approach to support other non-chronically homeless populations. However, the literature shows the importance of considering population-driven factors to adapt and/or enhancing the model to meet unique population needs including physical environment, staffing, training, service delivery, and referral modifications which are presented.