Nevil Pierse: Otago University Professor on the benefits of a housing first programme

A study has found that housing has a significant impact on the prospects of homeless people.   University of Otago research has found that those who live in a housing first programme have better health, income, and justice outcomes.  The study involved 387 homeless people, and in five years the number of hospitalisations fell by 44%, nights spent in mental health units fell by 63%, and there was a 43% reduction in criminal charges.  Professor Nevil Pierse told Mike Hosking that the study really shows that permanent housing and support really works, and after five years huge improvements can be seen.  He said that the key in this study was the people going straight into permanent sustainable housing as opposed to emergency transitional housing, which creates a sense of stability.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.