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Salisbury to redesign Housing First program to prioritize shorter-term supportive placements
Summary
Council and staff discussed reshaping the city's Housing First program to prioritize shorter-term "bridge" assistance (proposed two-year assistance window) to expand the number of households served. Staff said existing long-term cases with qualifying disabilities will be connected to available vouchers or long-term programs;
The Salisbury City Council and administration discussed Oct. 6 a plan to revise the city's Housing First/permanent supportive housing program to help more households by prioritizing shorter-term supportive placements and transitions to other benefits.
Staff said the current program supports a small number of individuals who receive long-term assistance. Under the proposed approach, the city would use its limited budget to provide a longer runway—roughly two years—of case management and financial support as a bridge to permanent housing or other benefit programs (for example HUD vouchers or county-funded placements). Administration emphasized the city would not "kick people out" if they remain ineligible for alternate benefits but would prioritize cases where supportive services and documentation make applicants eligible for existing state or federal programs.
Staff described progress on several cases: some residents have been connected to voucher-supported units or disability-focused placements through partner agencies; others remain in need of specialized units. The city indicated roughly 11 individuals currently receive direct assistance and that program redesign would include clearer eligibility, a two-year target runway for transitioning recipients, and an allowance for exceptions in medically or behaviorally complex cases.
Council asked for a formal program outline and a proposed name for the revamped program; administration said it would return with a draft policy and implementation plan for council review.
