Housing First vs. Therapeutic Communities: Comparing Strategies to Improve Health Outcomes in Homeless Veterans with Mental Illness

Aratrika Chakrabarti

Homelessness among veterans is a persistent issue, often linked to mental illness. In 2024, 32,882 veterans remained homeless despite a 7.3% decline since 2009. This study compares Housing First (HF) and therapeutic communities (TC) in addressing veteran homelessness. HF offers immediate housing without therapy requirements, while TC provides structured rehabilitation. Both models reduce homelessness, but TC’s long-term support may foster better health outcomes than HF’s rapid, but less structured approach.

Major: 
Biology
Exhibition Category: 
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
Harrisburg
Faculty Sponsor: 
Jocelyn Vanderbrink
Poster Number: 
198