Community News & Updates

Barbara experienced chronic homelessness for almost 15 years. With support from ECHO’s Permanent Supportive Housing program, Barbara now lives in her very own, safe, stable home.

Chronic homelessness is used to describe people who have experienced homelessness for at least a year – or repeatedly – while struggling with a disabling condition such as a serious mental illness, substance use disorder, or physical disability.

People who experience chronic homelessness are especially vulnerable and typically have complex and long-term medical and/or mental health conditions. Once becoming homeless – regardless of what caused them to lose housing – it is difficult to get back into housing and they can face long or repeated episodes of homelessness.

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) pairs a long-term housing subsidy with ongoing, intensive case management and supportive services – and is a proven solution to chronic homelessness. PSH not only helps people experiencing chronic homelessness achieve long-term housing stability, but also improves overall health and well-being.

Now that Barbara is permanently housed, ECHO and her Housing Case Manager will continue to provide Barbara with the support she needs to maintain housing, and move forward in her recovery from chronic homelessness.

Happy Move-in Day, Barbara!