Evolution of a Nursing Case Management Model for a Housing-First Population

Housing first (HF) is a nationally recognized model that provides permanent housing to the hardest to serve of homeless individuals, those with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. This vulnerable population faces many challenges in obtaining needed health care services. Access to adequate health care and addressing health issues is an essential part of the stabilization and self-sufficiency process for previously homeless individuals. This article will review the rationale for implementing a nursing case management approach within a HF program, explain the case management model implemented to address the population's needs, present the outcomes, and go on to discuss further development of the model over a 4-year period with related results.