What Is Permanent Supportive Housing?

Stable housing is more than a place to live; it’s a foundation for individuals and families to achieve long-term stability and economic self-sufficiency. Pacific House provides permanent supportive housing in Stamford and surrounding areas, pairing affordable, long-term housing with services designed to increase income and maintain housing stability.

This approach serves a diverse population, meets HUD standards, and strengthens the broader community, helping residents thrive and communities flourish.

Key Takeaways

• Permanent supportive housing is a proven, evidence-based solution for helping chronically homeless individuals.

• It combines long-term housing with on-site support services to promote stability, dignity, and independence.

• This model improves stability, reduces public costs, and increases positive outcomes for the homeless.

• Pacific House offers permanent supportive housing as part of a comprehensive strategy to end homelessness in the community.

What Is Permanent Supportive Housing?

Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is an evidence-based intervention designed for chronically homeless individuals—those who have experienced homelessness for an extended period and often live with a disability. Unlike transitional or temporary shelter models, permanent supportive housing offers long-term rental assistance (please note, not all supportive housing units in our portfolio come with rental assistance) combined with individualized support services. It does not impose specific time limits on tenancy and prioritizes stability, dignity, and self-sufficiency.

The “supportive” aspect is key. Housing is paired with services such as:

• Mental and behavioral health support

• Substance use recovery programs

• Medical care coordination

• Employment readiness and job training

• Case management and life skills coaching

By meeting people where they are, permanent supportive housing removes barriers and creates conditions for lasting stability. 

Who Benefits from Supportive Housing? 

Supportive housing primarily serves homeless people facing complex and persistent challenges, especially those labeled as “chronically homeless.” These individuals often cycle through hospitals, jails, and shelters without ever receiving the sustained help they need.

This model is particularly effective for:

• Veterans

• Older adults with disabilities

• People with untreated mental illness

• Individuals living with substance use disorders

PSH operates under the “Housing First” philosophy—providing housing as a platform, not a reward. Once stabilized in housing, individuals are far more likely to engage in recovery, employment, and community life.

The Impact on Communities and Public Systems

Investing in permanent supportive housing is not only the right thing to do ethically, it’s also fiscally smart. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, PSH significantly reduces public costs by lowering emergency room visits, law enforcement interventions, shelter stays, and inpatient hospitalization.

Communities that implement PSH programs report:

• Decreased hospital and ER usage by 29%

• Reduced jail stays by 41%

• Improved public safety and community well-being

This model stabilizes the lives of vulnerable populations while making better use of public resources, freeing up capacity for others in crisis. Housing-first strategies simply work—morally and financially.

The Role of Pacific House in Delivering Permanent Supportive Housing 

As one of the leaders in the fight against homelessness in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Pacific House operates several permanent supportive housing programs designed to transition individuals from homelessness to stability. 

Pacific House programs provide long-term stability through two models. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) prioritizes people with disabilities who have experienced long-term or repeated homelessness, pairing affordable housing with ongoing services. The Housing Workforce Program also requires disability verification at entry but provides a five-year voucher along with progressive engagement interventions to help households increase income and maintain housing stability. Both models combine housing and services to support lasting success.

Through our partnerships, funding, and donations, Pacific House offers:

• Safe, affordable housing units across Stamford and surrounding communities

• Case Management Support provided both on-site and off-site across the Pacific House housing portfolio

• Access to medical, behavioral health, and vocational services

The organization’s Permanent Supportive Housing program is tailored to meet the diverse needs of its residents, ensuring not only shelter but also pathways to independence. Whether someone has been on the streets for a year or battling co-occurring conditions, Pacific House offers a compassionate, structured response that centers dignity, autonomy, and inclusion.

What Makes This Model So Effective? 

Several factors make permanent supportive housing uniquely effective:

• Stability: Long-term housing provides a consistent environment essential for healing and growth.

• Integrated care: Services are not just referrals—they’re often on-site and personalized.

• Low-barrier access: There’s no requirement for sobriety, income, or compliance before receiving housing.

• Community integration: Housing is often dispersed across neighborhoods, reducing stigma and fostering inclusion.

• Accountability and structure: While supportive, the program promotes independence, responsibility, and personal growth.

This model respects each person’s humanity while offering the professional support needed to break long-term cycles of poverty and displacement.

Get Permanent Supportive Housing Services Today

What is permanent supportive housing? It is a powerful, evidence-based response to the complex realities of long-term homelessness. By offering a stable home and individualized support, it helps homeless people not only survive, but also rebuild their lives. At Pacific House, this model is more than a strategy; it is a mission-driven commitment to dignity, opportunity, and hope for those who need it most.

Those looking to support, learn how to get involved, or refer someone in need, please contact us today to become part of a local community solution that works.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is permanent supportive housing designed for?
It’s designed for chronically homeless individuals who need both stable housing and access to ongoing support services.

How does supportive housing differ from shelters?
Shelters offer temporary relief, while supportive housing provides long-term, stable environments paired with wraparound services.

Who qualifies for permanent supportive housing?
Typically, individuals who are chronically homeless and have a diagnosed disability or behavioral health condition.

What services are included in supportive housing?
Some of our programs include mental health care services, substance use recovery treatment, case management, employment services, and healthcare navigation.

Is permanent supportive housing effective?
Yes, studies show it improves stability, reduces public costs, and enhances quality of life for participants.