Project dates: July 2025 - June 2027
Homelessness and housing instability are strongly linked with overdose risk. Permanent supportive housing (PSH)—subsidized housing paired with support services—is a key part of the national strategy to end homelessness.
In the first phase of this study, a multi-sector, community-partnered, stepped wedge randomized controlled trial (RCT) is being planned to evaluate the impact of a technical assistance (TA) intervention designed to support PSH agencies in sustainably implementing evidence-based practices to reduce tenant overdose and improve tenant health more broadly. The intervention will be delivered to PSH agencies in New Jersey and New York. Focus groups with PSH leaders, staff, and tenants to refine an overdose prevention TA package (the intervention) that is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate for varied PSH types. Preparatory activities for the RCT, including site selection, data agreement execution, data collection instrument and analysis plan finalization, and IRB approval will be completed for the second phase of the study.
It is expected that findings from this research will be immediately actionable and will also be broadly applicable to other housing settings and homeless shelters.
Abstract on NIH RePORTER