Improving Homeless Program Outcomes
Homelessness service providers are notoriously opaque when it comes to funding and success reporting. The lack of objective outcomes makes it difficult to determine what is working and why.
THE SOLUTION
Performance-Based Funding for Homelessness Services
Public contracting should require the reporting of outcome measures to fulfill performance-based contracts. This is particularly true for homeless services and the provision of housing where life is on the line. Instead of paying non-profits based on the amount of services provided, some or all of the contract should be contingent on the provider’s performance.
WHY IT MATTERS
Comparing the success rates of different organizations and strategies would ensure that funding only goes to approaches that:
Measurably reduce the number of people living on the streets.
Get people into treatment or other interventions.
Increase earned income levels.
Taxpayers could rest assured that their money is truly helping their most vulnerable neighbors build a better life.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
States and cities should pay non-profits for results, not just services.
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