Odyssey House President & CEO Dr. Peter Provet responded to Andy Newman’s article last Sunday about life at the Lenniger, a permanent supportive housing complex in New York City.
TO THE EDITOR:
Your article shows the transformative potential of supportive housing for individuals grappling with mental illness and substance use disorders. At Odyssey House, where we operate 450 supportive housing units in New York City, we see firsthand how this model offers stability and hope to those who have endured homelessness.
Photograph by Thea Traff/The New York Times
Supportive housing is undeniably effective, but it should raise an important question: Is a housing policy without behavioral expectations on tenants the best approach? Housing First prioritizes immediate stability by limiting preconditions such as sobriety or participation in treatment. While this approach has helped countless individuals find safety and stability, it can also create challenges for tenants and providers alike — especially when substance use or untreated mental health issues affect the broader community.
At Odyssey House, we believe that supportive housing must strike a balance. Pairing affordable housing with services like mental health care, addiction treatment, and vocational support is essential. This includes fostering accountability and engagement in services that promote long-term recovery and community well-being.
Every day, we see how stable housing transforms lives, helping individuals reconnect with loved ones, pursue employment or education, and contribute to their communities. Expanding access to supportive housing is a moral imperative and a practical investment in public health and safety.
PETER PROVET
The writer is chief executive of Odyssey House.