This study evaluates the supportive housing program in Los Angeles, launched in 2012, that provided permanent supportive housing (PSH) for 890 participants who were formerly homeless. The RAND evaluation sought to evaluate the effects of permanent supportive housing on (1) public service utilization; (2) net costs to the county; and (3) participant health. The study found that compared to the year prior to entering PSH, in the year following, those who received housing used much fewer public services and reported improved mental health. (Physical health changes were not significant). RAND observed a 20 percent net cost-savings for the county in the year after participants were housed.
RAND Corporation Study on LA’s Housing for Health Permanent Supportive Housing Program
Research category: Important Research, Cost Savings, Health