A review of the literature on neighborhood impacts of permanent supportive housing (PSH) and emergency shelters for people experiencing homelessness

Abstract

Purpose
When developing housing-focused strategies to address homelessness, stakeholders often face barriers in the form of community resistance that can impede the availability and, therefore, access to various housing options. The purpose of this study is to outline the literature regarding the neighborhood impacts of permanent supportive housing (PSH) and emergency shelters (ESs).

Design/methodology/approach
Peer-reviewed and gray literature from 2011 to 2021 on the neighborhood impacts of ESs and PSH was reviewed.

Findings
Studies indicate that PSH generally has positive impacts on communities. The limited research on ESs demonstrates that they can have some negative impacts on neighborhood property values, crime and emergency service utilization, but that being unhoused is often an underlying cause of crime victimization and the need for services.

Originality/value
The findings of this review are of practical relevance for housing programs and policies in communities, as well as for social and health services. This review also points to a need for further research on ESs and the incorporation of voices of people with lived experience of housing instability.