In December, the Frequent Users Systems Engagement (FUSE) research project team, facilitated by Avalon Housing and led by Aubrey Patiño, produced the final report for their project, “which provided housing and coordinated primary and behavioral health care to over 100 chronically homeless individuals who were frequent users of crisis health services in the county.” The WHI had provided administrative support to the FUSE project.
The research findings demonstrated limited statistical significance, but showed cost savings among the highest cost participants. The participants self-reported feeling better about their lives, as well as improvements in mental health and quality of life.
Overall, FUSE “demonstrated how supportive housing can address challenges facing the highest-need and highest-cost patients who are experiencing homelessness.”
The following February, the FUSE team would share key findings at St. Joseph Mercy’s Education Center. Leaders from Avalon Housing, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, and New York University co-presented the findings, and several members from the WHI attended the presentation. The event included a patient story, from Carol T. The event can still be viewed via Facebook live stream.