MHAOK’s 2024 permanent supportive housing stability rate topped 90%. Here is why this matters.

Nonprofits that focus on permanent supportive housing (PSH) programs play a pivotal role in addressing homelessness and housing instability, especially in states like Oklahoma, where affordable housing is in short supply, and eviction rates are alarmingly high. As an indicator of success, housing stability rate is a critical element of PSH programs. It tells us how well individuals and families are able to maintain their housing, which is a critical data point for any agency that is working to end homelessness. Ensuring that everyone can not only secure housing but can keep it is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and cultivating a thriving community.??

Emphasizing housing stability rates helps us better address the root causes of homelessness, which often include economic hardship, mental health challenges, substance abuse or criminal justice involvement. Because homelessness is nuanced, and often complex, MHAOK recognizes the need for a comprehensive approach that includes both housing and supportive services; but housing must come first.?

Housing First prioritizes stable housing as the first step toward addressing other challenges such as mental health struggles, substance use disorders or unemployment. This model – which we use and has been widely implemented across the United States – is an evidence-based strategy for improving housing stability rates. It provides individuals with stable, permanent housing without preconditions such as sobriety or employment. Once housed, tenants are offered supportive services, such as mental health care, substance use treatment or job training, as well as life-skills training.??

According to research reported by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Housing First programs reduce the length of time people spend in homelessness and decrease future recidivism. In Oklahoma, where the rate of homelessness increased by 17% last year, adopting a Housing First approach can significantly decrease the number of people cycling through homelessness, helping them transition to stable, self-sufficient lives.?

We see this every day at MHAOK, where our permanent supportive housing stability rate is 90.28%.?

These figures demonstrate the model's power in achieving long-term housing stability, particularly for the most vulnerable populations, particularly those with mental illness and histories of addiction.?

Certainly, this benefits the individuals who are moving off the streets and into the safety and stability of a home, but it is also of immense value to the community at-large. The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that one individual experiencing homelessness costs Oklahoma taxpayers $96 per day, or $35,040 per year. Studies published by the Urban Institute show that stable housing lowers area crime rates; and on a relational level, when individuals are stably housed, they become more integrated into communities and engaged in their neighborhoods which improves social cohesion and overall safety.??

The National Center for Homeless Education reports that families experiencing homelessness often have children who struggle in school due to instability. When families are housed, children are more likely to attend school regularly, perform better academically and have better long-term prospects. Having a permanent address lays a solid foundation for the upcoming generation to become productive, thriving members of society.?

Ending homelessness is not just a moral imperative—it also provides economic, public safety and social benefits to communities.?

Mental Health Association Oklahoma owns approximately 1,300 units of affordable supportive, transitional and fair-market rate housing units in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. If you are in need of housing, please call us at 918.585.1213 or 405.943.3700 or contact us via our website.??

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