A Year-Long Investigation On Permanent Supportive Housing

The New York Times reveals what’s working and what’s not in the cornerstone of Housing First.

1 minute read

April 6, 2025, 7:00 AM PDT

By Christine McLaren


Small, brightly lit bedroom with flowery sheets on single bed in supportive housing or nursing home.

Koldo_Studio / Adobe Stock

The New York Times Headway section has published a helpful primer on one of the most common approaches to reducing homelessness amongst populations with addiction and mental health issues: permanent supportive housing that offers low rents and services on site.

A cornerstone to the Housing First approach, about 400,000 Americans now live in permanent supportive housing.

The Times spent over a year talking to residents and staff at a supportive housing complex in the Bronx called the Lenniger. They reported six key takeaways from that time:

  • Permanent supportive housing tries to meet a formerly homeless person’s needs under one roof

  • Permanent supportive housing keeps people housed.

  • It works by making it as easy as possible for people to stay

  • Its permissiveness has stirred political backlash

  • In New York City, demand far outstrips supply

  • Permanent supportive housing is no panacea

Read the Times’ full report on what’s working — and not — in permanent supportive housing at the link below. 

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Rendering of proposed greenway design for downtown San Diego street.

San Diego Swaps Parking Lane for Kid-Friendly Mini Park

The block-long greenway will feature interactive play equipment and landscaping.

15 minutes ago - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Oil well on hilltop in Los Angeles with city neighborhoods in background.

Tracking the Invisible: Methane Leaks From LA’s Neighborhood Oil Sites

Environmental advocates are using infrared technology to monitor and document methane leaks from neighborhood oil sites, filling regulatory gaps and pushing for stronger protections to safeguard community health and the climate.

1 hour ago - LAist

Downtown Billings, Montana with mountains in background.

Montana Bill Promotes Parking Reform

A bill before the Montana state senate would bar cities from requiring more than one parking spot per new housing unit.

3 hours ago - Montana Free Press