Home
Paige Hendricks Public Relations
“Housing First is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness, thus ending their homelessness and serving as a platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life. This approach is guided by the belief that people need basic necessities like food and a place to live before attending to anything less critical, such as getting a job, budgeting properly, or attending to substance use issues. Additionally, Housi
For years, Mateo told David at the DRC that he did not want a home, despite his chronic health condition. David built a relationship of trust with Mateo, helped him get in with doctors and back on his medication, scheduled his appointments and at times, transported him to and from his doctor’s appointments. Still, David watched as Mateo’s health continued to deteriorate. “He had lost hope for his life,” says David.
David knew that Mateo was abusing alcohol and drugs. “People often use substances to escape the reality of life on the streets,” says David. He convinced Mateo to seek treatment, and he entered a recovery program through a partner agency. He’s been clean and sober since February 2022.
Home
Paige Hendricks Public Relations