Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

Studies show that the provision of permanent supportive housing to homeless individuals can reduce utilization of shelters, acute healthcare, and jails. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration considers permanent supportive housing an evidence-based practice. To date, there has not been an evaluation of permanent supportive housing in Dallas, Texas.

This paper assesses the impact of permanent supportive housing in Dallas by examining the homeless’ utilization of healthcare and jails and the associated costs. Data on homeless individuals placed into permanent supportive housing from 2007 to 2014 were merged with data on the utilization of the county jail and acute healthcare, including inpatient hospitalizations and emergency room visits. To determine associated costs, the researcher relied on claims data and the average cost per jail bed per day. Analysis is ongoing and findings are forthcoming.

This paper will provide insight to local policymakers as they grapple with how to address the city’s homeless problem. It highlights how policymakers and program administrators alike can leverage administrative data to assess performance and measure outcomes, which may result in programmatic and/or policy change. Rather than operating in silos, it also underscores the need for increased data sharing across systems (e.g., homeless service organizations, healthcare providers, and jails) to gain a comprehensive perspective and formulate appropriate and effective policy interventions for the homeless.