This past week we had another series of presentations, this time focusing on the housing offered to the homeless population. One of the presentations was on a book called “Housing First.” This book was interesting because they recognized that the housing approach was not working and decided to do something about it. First, they asked the homeless population what they wanted and they all responded that they wanted housing. It baffles me that they did something as simple as ask the people what they wanted and acted on it. Most people beat around the push or assume they know what is best for someone when more often then not we have no idea until we ask the person who it is directly affecting. Since they said they wanted housing that is what they received. Most services first option to help the homeless is putting them in a shelter, but Housing First’s approach is to get them housing first and the very last option is for them to go into a shelter. The reasoning behind getting housing first is that people said they do not succeed in a shelter or transition home. By having a house they are able to get a fresh start to focus on themselves. I agree with this approach because people who live in shelters were ultimately on a cycle of getting a bed, going back on a waiting list, and then back to the streets while they wait for an available bed. It is an unhealthy cycle for anyone to be living in, but Housing First is offering a real chance at a do over that can go a long way for people.