The MISHA model is based on a Housing First approach which is a recent and successful policy response from the US that aims to reduce chronic homelessness. It is distinct from older, and many argue, less successful continuum of care ‘treatment first’ models of homeless to housing, where access to housing is contingent on first establishing one’s ‘housing readiness’ by treating existing mental health, substance use or physical health issues. Once deemed housing ready, clients are expected to live mostly independently without support (Gulcur et al., 2003). Instead, Housing First programs are underpinned by the assumption that it is only when chronically homeless people are given access to permanent housing that they will be able to overcome these longstanding personal issues. Consequently, Housing First offers housing to clients without conditional requirements of successful ‘treatment’ or sobriety. This report provides findings on a research study undertaken in relation to the MISHA project over its first three years of operation.

The research study was led by Paul Flatau from the University of Western Australia and included Kaylene Zaretzky of the University of Western Australia, Elizabeth Conroy, Marina Athanassios and Marlee Bower of the University of Western Sydney, and Lucy Burns and Tony Eardley of the University of New South Wales. The study explores the outcomes achieved by clients in the MISHA project, follows the lives of the men as they enter housing from homelessness and experience life in permanent accommodation, as well as the cost effectiveness of the program.