Portraits: Adults: Dee-427

Dee Curry, 59, once faced chronic homelessness, unable to manage her substance abuse and mental illness. Under the housing first model, with assistance from Pathways to Housing, D.C., Dee has transitioned off the streets into her own home and is actively seeking employment. ‘Housing first’ provides the most vulnerable, chronically homeless with housing before adding permanent supportive services to address mental and physical health, substance abuse, employment, education and family reunification so that people can get back on their feet.

Dee Curry, 59, once faced chronic homelessness, unable to manage her substance abuse and mental illness. Under the housing first model, with assistance from Pathways to Housing, D.C., Dee has transitioned off the streets into her own home and is actively seeking employment. ‘Housing first’ provides the most vulnerable, chronically homeless with housing before adding permanent supportive services to address mental and physical health, substance abuse, employment, education and family reunification so that people can get back on their feet.