Pathways to Housing DC, Washington

Alicia had a tent under the Francis Scott Key Bridge. She bathed in the river and ate canned food from a nearby church. But maintaining even this basic stability was difficult because of her struggle with alcoholism, respiratory infections, and schizophrenia, according to an article in The Atlantic. It was only when Pathways to Housing DC stepped in that Alicia found regular medical care and a safe place to live—no strings attached.

Following the belief that housing is a basic human right, Pathways to Housing DC addresses chronic homelessness among people with psychiatric disabilities or addictions by providing immediate access to housing without preconditions. Its staff help people attain a level of dignity that they could not find sleeping under a bridge or on a park bench. In addition to housing, the organization serves as a comprehensive resource for its clients by providing supportive treatment services—all at lower costs than most shelters or psychiatric hospitals. Services such as wellness groups, therapy, nutrition consultations, and vocational planning help clients move toward recovery and achieve personal goals. With these services in place, Pathway to Housing DC maintains an 85% housing retention rate, even among those who were not considered housing-ready by other programs.