In 1997, a group of experienced volunteers saw a profound gap in supportive housing for the most vulnerable women in our city. They imagined facilities and programs that would offer low-barrier access to women who lived on the streets or in emergency shelters and struggled with acute medical problems, substance abuse, or mental illness (and sometimes all three). The approach, Housing First, meant that even those facing the most serious challenges could access support and achieve housing stability. At two independent sites and at scattered sites where units are housed in traditional apartment buildings, OAH provides quality living spaces along with crisis intervention, supportive counseling, financial management, assistance with public benefits, and referrals. The result? 94% of the women it has served do not return to homelessness. The mission now includes families. The bigger goal? The eradication of chronic homelessness for women and families in Washington, DC.
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