Honors Theses and Capstones

Date Completed

Spring 2026

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to examine the outcomes of Housing First (HF) programs or models for transitional-age youth (TAY) experiencing homelessness. Specifically, this review aims to synthesize existing evidence on how Housing First influences housing stability and over-all wellbeing for young adults ages 18-25. By evaluating the effectiveness of these programs within this specific population, the review seeks to identify key benefits, limitations, and gaps in the current literature to inform future practice, policy, and research. The following research question was utilized to guide this paper: How do Housing First principals and interventions impact housing stability and overall well-being among TAY experiencing homelessness? This review is based on an honors thesis project conducted as part of the author’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work at the University of New Hampshire.

Methods: A systematized literature review was conducted in four data bases using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria with an outcome of 39 peer-reviewed articles that met the criteria.

Results: The findings from the 39 reviewed studies were organized into six thematic categories, which reflect patterns identified across the literature: (1) housing stability and retention outcomes, (2) mental health, substance use and physical health outcomes, (3) youth development, social connection and quality of life, (4) Centering Youth Choice and Control, (5) Supportive Service Experiences and (6) Systemic and Structural Barriers to Access and Effectiveness.

Conclusion: Findings drawn from current research continue to under-explore the effectiveness of Housing First models specifically targeted toward young adults ages 18-25, and the developmental need supports that aren’t typical interventions in traditional Housing First models. The findings of this systematized review suggests that traditional housing first models do not fully meet the developmental needs of TAY. Rather, the literature indicates that successful interventions are those that are responsive and sensitive to the developmental, relational, and structural realties shaping young people’s lives.

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

First Advisor

Gretchen Bean

College or School

CHHS

Department or Program

Social Work

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

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