Can Free Housing Solve Homelessness? The Housing First Experiment

Is Housing First a viable solution or just repeating the past? What actually works to end homelessness? Communities across the U.S. have debated and tested solutions, from housing first to human first, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelters. But Housing First has gained national traction, a strategy that prioritizes permanent housing without conditions, followed up by supportive services. In this episode of Top of Mind, Julie Rose dives deep into Salt Lake City’s commitment to the Housing First approach, which launched two decades ago, making it one of the first cities in the country to fully embrace this model. Nearly two decades later, Salt Lake City serves as a revealing case study for the successes, challenges, and evolving nature of efforts to solve homelessness in America. GUESTS Tyler Clancy, Utah State Representative Michelle Flynn, Executive Director of The Road Home since 2020 (https://theroadhome.org/). Dave Durocher, Executive Director of The Other Side Academy (https://www.theothersideacademy.com/). Amy Daeschel, Director of Outreach, Clinical Intake & SSP at the Odyssey House of Utah (https://www.odysseyhouse.org/). Robbie Myrick, Director of Human First Culture at The Other Side Village (https://theothersidevillage.com/about-the-village/) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Utah's Housing First Success Story 01:37 Challenges and Criticisms of Housing First 02:14 Permanent Supportive Housing 07:21 The Magnolia Apartments: A New Approach 19:21 Policy Shifts and Legislative Actions 28:19 Personal Stories and Impact 30:52 A Turning Point: Accepting Treatment 31:18 The Journey to Recovery 32:15 The Other Side Academy: A Unique Approach 33:36 Jared Campbell's Story 34:50 Life at The Other Side Academy 42:22 The Other Side Village: A New Beginning 50:36 Reflections and Conclusion