Exiting homelessness without a voucher: A comparison of independently housed and other homeless veterans.

Abstract

Studies that have shown the superiority of housing voucher programs over standard care for homeless adults with mental illness have also incidentally shown that many are able to obtain independent housing without subsidies. The current study examined how individuals obtain housing without a voucher and whether greater employment earnings or better clinical outcomes were associated with such housing success. Data from an experimental evaluation of the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program were used for an observational study that compared participants who, at 3 months, were: (1) Independently Housed Without a Voucher (n 96), (2) Independently Housed With a Voucher (n 93), (3) Housed In Another Individual’s Place (n 60), or (4) Not Yet Housed (n 170). Participants who obtained independent housing without a voucher worked more days and had higher employment income than those who did use a voucher, but they were less satisfied with their housing. About a third of participants who lived in independent housing without a voucher had others living with them. Homeless veterans with mental illness are able to use employment and shared housing as naturalistic ways to obtain independent housing.