Based on the underlying philosophy that housing is a crucial form of healthcare for patients without a stable living situation, the Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool (FHSP) is a local rental subsidy program that secures quality affordable housing for Los Angeles County patients who are experiencing homelessness and have complex physical and behavioral health conditions. Flexible rental subsidies are paired with intensive case management services provided by local community organizations. In August 2013, the Hilton Foundation committed $4 million in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) to launch the FHSP. The grant leveraged $13 million in commitments from the DHS budget and an investment of $1 million from Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. As of fiscal year 2017, over $40 million has been invested in the FHSP.
As part of a larger evaluation of the Foundation’s Chronic Homelessness Initiative, Abt Associates examined the FHSP and how the program is currently used in the community. This report offers an analysis of the FHSP’s creation, partnerships, operation and implementation and also highlights the role of philanthropy and evaluation in this type of initiative. The report also features some key takeaways as the FHSP moves forward and as others look to replicate the program elsewhere.