Chronic homelessness is one of the most urgent and persistent challenges in the effort to end homelessness in America. At Dreams for Change, a San Diego nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness, we work daily to address this crisis with compassionate, evidence-based solutions.

In this article, we’ll explain what chronic homelessness is, why it matters, the most effective ways to solve it, and how our programs are helping people take the next step toward stability.

What Is Chronic Homelessness?

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a person is considered chronically homeless if they:

• Have a disabling condition such as mental illness, physical disability, or substance use disorder,
  AND
• Have been homeless for 12 consecutive months, or
• Have experienced four or more episodes of homelessness in the last three years, totaling 12 months or more.

Chronic homelessness is more than a lack of housing; it’s a prolonged crisis involving complex physical, mental, and emotional health challenges.

Why Addressing Chronic Homelessness Matters

Although people experiencing chronic homelessness make up a smaller portion of the overall homeless population, they often spend the longest time unsheltered and have the highest need for services. This population:

• Has higher rates of hospitalization and emergency service use
• Faces significant barriers to employment and permanent housing
• Experiences trauma and health deterioration while living on the streets

The longer someone remains unsheltered, the harder it becomes to reconnect them to stability and long-term housing solutions.

Proven Solutions to Chronic Homelessness

Solving chronic homelessness requires targeted, long-term solutions that go beyond temporary shelter. The most effective approaches include:

1. Housing First

The Housing First model places people in permanent housing without preconditions like sobriety or job requirements. It’s proven that once someone has a stable place to live, their ability to address health, employment, and recovery improves significantly.

2. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

This model combines affordable housing with wraparound services like case management, behavioral health support, and medical care. PSH is one of the most effective ways to help people exit chronic homelessness and stay housed.

3. Low-Barrier Shelter Options

Many people living with long-term homelessness avoid shelters due to restrictive rules, trauma, or lack of accessibility. Creating safe, low-barrier, and accessible shelter spaces can re-engage people who have been disconnected from the system for years.

How Dreams for Change Helps People Experiencing Chronic Homelessness

At Dreams for Change, we provide innovative, person-centered programs that meet people where they are, both literally and figuratively.

Safe Sleeping Program

Our Safe Sleeping program provides a low-barrier, outdoor shelter environment for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, particularly those experiencing chronic homelessness due to medical conditions, disabilities, or mental health challenges. As a nontraditional alternative to standard shelters, the program includes on-site hygiene services and a trauma-informed, compassionate staff. It’s designed to support those who are often hesitant or unable to access traditional shelter settings.

Trauma-Informed Care

We employ a trauma-informed, dignity-first approach that respects each person’s story and empowers them to define their own goals, whether that’s finding housing, participating in our Workforce Training program, or reuniting with their family.

Pathways to Housing and Stability

Many of our participants, including those with long-term street homelessness, have successfully transitioned to Permanent Supportive Housing, treatment programs, or long-overdue medical care. With the right support, people are moving off the streets and into safer, healthier futures.

Join Us in Ending Chronic Homelessness in San Diego

Chronic homelessness is solvable, but only if we commit to long-term solutions, compassionate support, and collaborative action.

At Dreams for Change, we are proud to lead the way in San Diego’s response to chronic homelessness, and we invite you to be part of the solution.

✅ Donate to fund life-changing services
✅ Volunteer your time or expertise
✅ Host a meal at one of our Safe Parking or Safe Sleeping sites
✅ Share our mission with your network

Together, we can ensure that no one has to live for years without shelter, safety, or hope.