Housing First Demonstration Initiative

Homes for those who have been chronically homeless

Chronic homelessness can be ended using a “Housing First” approach. Through a three-year project, from 2008-2011, Mercer Alliance demonstrated that permanent housing is the first step toward long-term stability for those who have been living on the streets or in shelters for periods of over a year. Over 65 individuals and homeless families were housed and over 95% remained successfully in their apartments in the community. During this period, Mercer County has reduced our chronic homeless count by 28%.

The Mercer Housing First initiative will eventually house all of Mercer County’s long-term homeless, while providing them with the supportive services they need to retain housing and cope with the issues that caused their homelessness. To develop and fund the initiative, the Mercer Alliance has partnered with public and private funders and non-profit agencies. Currently, the Mercer Housing First initiative is serving as a model for how New Jersey state and local government agencies can partner with the private and nonprofit sectors to implement effective large-scale initiatives to end homelessness.

For more information on the Mercer Housing First Initiative download the Program Description Presentation.