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Housing First

What Is Milwaukee County Housing First?

Milwaukee County Housing First Does Exactly What It Says

We provide housing...first.

The Milwaukee County Housing First philosophy provides housing to those most in need without pre-condition. This is because, we have found, the most vulnerable in our community can only solve one life-changing problem at a time. When you are living outside, without a roof over your head or knowing where your next meal will come from, that instantly becomes your most important problem.

Demanding the chronically homeless demonstrate sobriety, a clean bill of mental health, employment or anything else is, from what we have seen, putting the cart before the horse.

However, when you remove that housing problem, suddenly the next problem facing that individual becomes "most important," whether it be starting the road to recovery from undiagnosed mental health problems or substance abuse.

Moreover, Milwaukee County Housing First saves a lot of money.

The Milwaukee County Housing First Story

Milwaukee County Housing First In Action

In Milwaukee County, we've discovered a powerful truth: no community is incapable of eradicating homelessness. The challenge lies in the disjointed nature of institutions—law enforcement, the judicial system, healthcare—falling short of synchronizing efforts. Yet, Milwaukee provides inspiration. Through unified community collaboration and systemic integration, they've drastically reduced homelessness. Witness the transformative impact of cooperation in action.

Milwaukee County Housing First Impact

 

Taxpayers have saved over $30 million or $3.5 million per year since Housing First.

Housing First policy impact on homelessness in Milwaukee

Rates of homelessness remained stagnant for a decade before Milwaukee County implemented Housing First policy at the end of 2015.

Down

46.3%

Overall homeless population reduced by 46.3% in 5 years

Down

91.8%

Unsheltered, street homelessness reduced by 91.8% in 5 years

Down

65%

Sheltered chronic homelessness reduced by 65% as of 2023

Line Graph of Overall Homelessness in Milwaukee County 2007-2023, showing a dip in homelessness when Housing First started at the end of 2015

Milwaukee County Housing First Best Practices

 

National Leader

Since implementing Housing First policy in late 2015, Milwaukee County has become a national leader in ending homelessness, being recognized as the Lowest per capita Unsheltered Population in the Nation Twice - And Second Lowest Twice.  

These accomplishments were achieved through meaningful partnerships with local governments, non-profits, and the private sector. The strategy focuses on increasing access to permanent housing for homeless residents, connecting each participant with services including primary medical care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and job training.  

National Trend

Due to a variety of factors, communities across the country have seen their homelessness rates increase over the past year. While Milwaukee County Housing First has encountered this national trend, it continues to be one of the most successful communities in the country and recognized a best practice leader.

Public Safety Impacts

Milwaukee County Housing First benefits essential public safety services as it reduces further strain on already overburdened resources such as EMS and police response units, jails, and courtroom proceedings.

Who Helps Make Milwaukee County Housing First Happen?

Dozens of organizations and private individuals have partnered with us in this effort. Milwaukeeans have shown so much energy and generosity that we couldn't possibly list everyone who makes this work possible. Some donors and volunteers hope to remain anonymous. But we offer the deepest thanks to everyone.  Milwaukee County Housing First

United Way Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development City of Milwaukee Housing Authority City of Milwaukee
Milwaukee Police Milwaukee County Sheriff

Milwaukee County Housing First in the News

Meet the team helping Milwaukee County navigate and fight homelessness

by: Ryan Jenkins, TMJ4 News

According to the data, shared with TMJ4 News by Impact 211, the number of families living unsheltered has increased 14.3% year-over-year from 2022 to 2023. Nationwide, homelessness has risen 17.1%.

1/5

Milwaukee Takes Steps to End Homelessness

by: NewsNation

Milwaukee County takes holistic approach to tacking homelessness issues.

2/5

Milwaukee County invests millions to combat homelessness with emergency housing

by: Ryan Jenkins, TMJ4 News

How Milwaukee County is investing millions of dollars into getting people out of homeless shelters and into permanent housing.

3/5

Milwaukee County park-and-ride homeless camps

by: Jason Calvi and FOX6 News Digital Team

Three Milwaukee park-and-ride lots have become homeless camps. The state originally gave an ultimatum to those who were there to get out.

4/5

Housing First: Milwaukee County Recognized with lowest unsheltered homeless population in America

Photo by: Lee Matz, Milwaukee Independent

In 2022, Milwaukee was recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with the lowest unsheltered homeless population of any community per capita in the nation.

5/5

MILWAUKEE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

1220 W. Vliet St.

Suite 301

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205

Access DHHS

How We Help

Our Vision

Together, creating healthy communities.

Our Mission

Empowering safe, healthy, meaningful lives.

Our Values

Partnership, Respect, Integrity, 

Diversity, Excellence

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