Housing First Program

2026-11-03

Program services shall be provided in a manner that is consistent with the HF approach as described below . a . Low barrier to entry and ongoing program participation Offer individuals and Families immediate access to outreach , shelter , and Permanent Housing as appropriate without unnecessary prerequisites . This includes : ( 1 ) Admission practices that are welcoming and low barrier and do not require abstinence from substances , completion of or compliance with treatment , or participation in services . ( 2 ) Not rejecting program applicants on the basis of credit , rental history , criminal history , or other factors that might indicate a lack of “ housing readiness .” The Provider shall consider criminal history and other factors on a case - by - case basis as necessary to ensure the safety of Participants and staff . Offer individuals and Families experiencing Homelessness ongoing access to services until they secure Permanent Housing . This includes , but is not limited to the following : ( 1 ) Not establishing arbitrary time limits on length of program participation ; ( 2 ) Provider shall provide a brief list of expectations which are necessary to ensure Participant and staff health and safety , allowing Participants who may be under the influence of drugs and / or alcohol to remain in the program as long as their behavior does not present a health or safety threat , and not removing Participants for nonparticipation in services ; ( 3 ) Assessing Participants ’ openness to and supporting behavioral change to assist them in meeting program health and safety expectations ; ( 4 ) Removing Participants from a program ( s ) only for as long as necessary to ensure their health and safety and connecting them to appropriate services and resources ; ( 5 ) Acknowledge that Housing First is not “ housing only ” or “ anything goes .” Enrollment may be contingent on meeting lease and behavioral expectations ; and ( 6 ) Ensuring that an independent appeals process is in place and Participants are notified of the process verbally and in writing to allow Participants to contest involuntary temporary removal or discharge from a program . b . Housing access retention The Provider shall provide services focused on helping individuals and Families to access Permanent Housing as rapidly as possible and preventing returns to Homelessness . This includes , but is not limited to the following : ( 1 ) Focusing on rapid development of a housing plan to assist with quickly locating and accessing housing , obtaining necessary documents , accessing income and benefits , and connecting to community services and supports to promote stability and prevent returns to Homelessness ...

Hawaii

2026-04-08