The organization is the originator of the Housing First model of addressing homelessness among people with severe psychiatric disabilities and substance use disorders.
In Los Angeles, California, in 1988, the "Housing First" Program at Beyond Shelter was launched by Tanya Tull in response to a sharp increase in the number of homeless families with children.
[3][4] As an innovative model, Housing First has been nationally successful at addressing homelessness largely due to its focus on consumer choice.
Consumers feel secure knowing housing will be held for them during relapse, psychiatric crisis or short incarcerations.
During that time Pathways to Housing NY provided "immediate access to independent scatter-site apartments for individuals with psychiatric disabilities who were homeless and living on the street."
[9] In 2010, Pathways to Housing NY set up a mobile video exhibit at nine locations in New York City where there were over 36,000 homeless people in 2009.
Thus, private or public organizations across Canada are eligible to receive HPS subsidies to implement Housing First programs.