What is Interim Supportive Housing?

Interim Supportive Housing (ISH) has emerged as a vital tool in addressing the unsheltered homelessness crisis in our cities. Unlike traditional shelters, ISH provides a temporary transitional program distinct from permanent housing. This approach is necessary to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness, offering a compassionate and effective solution.

What are the Shortcomings of Traditional Shelters?

Traditional shelters often provide temporary housing for the homeless, typically featuring bunk beds in large, open rooms—known as congregate shelters. These environments can be stressful, particularly for those who have experienced trauma. Concerns about theft, assault, and lack of privacy create an atmosphere where individuals struggle to work towards solving complex life issues. While shelters offer protection from the elements, they do not effectively help people rebuild their lives or find lasting solutions. Moreover, California has only one shelter bed available for every three people who need one.

Why is Permanent Supportive Housing Not Enough?

Over the past decade, cities have reduced investments in shelters, focusing instead on Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), which provides subsidized housing with wraparound services for those experiencing chronic homelessness. However, the high cost and slow progress of PSH have proven problematic. The average cost to build a PSH unit in California exceeds $750,000, with projects in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles costing over $1 million per unit. The approval process and neighborhood resistance further delay projects, resulting in a 14-year wait time for PSH units in San Francisco. This leaves many individuals languishing on the streets while waiting for housing.

How is Interim Supportive Housing a Better Approach?

Interim Supportive Housing offers a middle ground between shelters and permanent housing. Unlike traditional shelters, ISH provides separate sleeping quarters, meeting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition of housing. ISH can take many forms, including hotels or shared housing. One cost-effective model, utilized by DignityMoves, involves using prefabricated cabins on temporarily available land. These cabins typically feature community bathrooms and dining areas to foster a sense of community—a crucial element for mental health and stability. In some cases, DignityMoves provides tiny homeless shelters with private bathrooms for medically fragile individuals or families with young children.

ISH is intended as a transitional stage where individuals can work with trained staff to assess their situations and determine the best path forward. Supportive services may include resume writing, skills training, housing navigation, and employment services. By providing these services early, ISH aims to prevent the development of chronic homelessness, which occurs when someone remains homeless for over a year and suffers from debilitating conditions.

What is the Legislative Momentum Behind Interim Housing?

Despite its potential, funding for interim housing is scarce. While limited funding exists for shelters and HUD funds permanent supportive housing through Section 8 vouchers, interim housing often relies on borrowed funds from the underfunded shelter system. Additionally, cities hesitate to provide indefinite support without assurance of sufficient permanent housing.

However, cities adopting this model are seeing promising results. In San Jose, nearly 1,000 ISH beds have led to a 10.7% decline in unsheltered homelessness within a year—a remarkable outcome compared to the statewide increase of 10.3% in the same period. This impressive 21% swing is attributed directly to the city’s ISH program. Moreover, over 70% of program participants have remained stably housed, demonstrating ISH’s effectiveness.

The Future of Homelessness Solutions: The Interim Housing Act

The Interim Housing Act (SB 1395), authored by Senator Josh Becker (D-San Mateo) and co-sponsored by DignityMoves, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, the Bay Area Council, and SPUR, is a promising legislative development. Recently passed by the State Senate and heading to the State Assembly, the Act confirms that interim housing is a valid state program. It sends a strong signal encouraging cities to adopt and embrace the ISH model, streamlining processes to overcome neighborhood resistance. This law represents California’s commitment to ending the humanitarian crisis on our streets by embracing innovative, effective solutions.

“Interim housing is the missing rung on the ladder to permanent housing. The Interim Housing Act takes a proven local housing strategy and makes it available statewide, giving local governments a new tool to address the homelessness and housing crises,” said Senator Becker. “It will lead to more housing options and significantly increase the inventory, which will put a roof over the heads of our unhoused neighbors faster so that they can get back on their feet and on track towards permanent housing.”

How Can You Support Interim Supportive Housing?

Supporting interim supportive housing initiatives like those implemented by DignityMoves can help address the urgent needs of homeless individuals. Visit DignityMoves’ contact page to learn more about how you can get involved and support this innovative approach to reducing homelessness.

FAQ

What is Interim Supportive Housing (ISH)?

Interim Supportive Housing (ISH) is a temporary housing solution that provides separate sleeping quarters and supportive services, helping individuals transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

How does ISH differ from traditional shelters and permanent housing?

ISH offers more privacy and supportive services than traditional shelters, serving as a transitional stage before permanent housing. It provides temporary housing for the homeless with separate sleeping quarters, unlike the congregate settings of traditional shelters.

What are the benefits of ISH compared to Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)?

ISH is more cost-effective and faster to implement than PSH. It provides immediate relief and supportive services to individuals, helping prevent chronic homelessness.

How can I support interim supportive housing initiatives?

To support ISH initiatives, visit DignityMoves’ contact page for information on how to get involved through donations, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy efforts.