Publications and Digital Products

This Spotlight highlights a notable finding from the evaluation of SAMHSA’s Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) program published in 2024. The PATH program is intended to reduce homelessness among persons experiencing severe mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders. PATH collects data on the reported residence of clients the night prior to enrolling in services. An examination of these data for FY 2019 to 2021 revealed an approximately ten-point percentage increase of PATH clients reporting being in an unsheltered situation the night prior to enrollment.

This guide highlights strategies for behavioral health and housing providers to conduct outreach and engage with individuals experiencing homelessness, initiate use of behavioral health treatment as they wait to receive stable housing and retain them in their recovery efforts once housed.