The current drug laws in Chile criminalise the possession and use of drugs, people in street situations are at high risk of being arrested and incarcerated.

The financial toll of this on the country is estimated at USD 7,558,545 between 2005 and 2018.

In 2000, psychologists and social workers studied treatment outcomes from abstinence-based rehabilitation programmes among people experiencing homelessness and found that punishment-based and zero-tolerance model had high dropout rates and little impact.

These findings led to the innovative Housing First programme. Here, housing is made available to people experiencing homelessness as a first step, accompanied by professional support and access to health services.

Since 2021, the Social Development and Family Ministry and the Housing Ministry has been co- funding the Housing First programme.

In 2022, the government allocated USD 2.8 million to the Housing First programme. Positive results led to a 142% budget increase for 2024 to USD 6.8 million.

The Housing First programme has housed over 600 people and made a significant difference to people’s lives.

A survey of participants found 80% reported improvements in social integration and 96% reported improvements in one or more dimensions of their health.