Service Provider Perspectives on the Differences between Place-Based and Scattered-Site Permanent Supportive Housing in Los Angeles County after the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background. Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is an evidence-based solution to chronic homelessness. There are two common PSH models: place-based (PB) programs where clients live in one building with services provided onsite and scattered-site (SS) programs, which use community apartments coupled with mobile case management and support. Understanding the relative strengths and weaknesses of PB and SS is important for PSH planning and service delivery. This paper explores homeless service provider perspectives on these two models after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. Service providers (N = 37) from across 5 PSH agencies in Los Angeles that provided either PB or SS services during the pandemic participated in focus groups. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using template analysis, grounded theory, and inductive techniques. Results. Providers identified four major differences between PB and SS services: (1) challenges in finding placements; (2) managing relationships with landlords/property managers; (3) frequency of contact; and (4) community integration. Advantages of PB included ease of finding units, ease of managing relationships with landlords/property managers, greater ability to serve clients efficiently, more frequent client contact, and more community among residents. SS was seen to provide tenants with more opportunities to grow, live in healthier environments, and develop independence. During the pandemic, finding units for SS clients became more difficult, while differences between PB and SS related to frequency of contact and community integration became more attenuated. Conclusions. PB can be advantageous for clients with higher levels of acuity, whereas SS could be more appropriate for clients who are more stable and independent. PB programs are seen to have practical and logistical advantages, but some providers prefer SS services. Clients and providers should be matched to PSH configurations that best match their needs and preferences, and providers should be aware that public health emergencies may impact PB and SS settings differently.