Not all people experiencing homelessness require the same type of accommodation or support. For some, homelessness is tied to a crisis event, and interventions with a lighter touch will be enough to get them back on their feet and keep them from returning to the street. For individuals with more complex needs, additional supports may be required. For example, permanent supportive housing offers both housing and individualized services, such as counseling, mental health services, substance abuse services, and employment training. 

In order to truly be effective, programs should be coordinated across the local system, targeted to the right subpopulations, and organized toward reaching a measurable target.