What is harm reduction?

Harm reduction is an approach to behavior change that celebrates and builds on any positive step individuals make toward increasing the safety of themselves and those around them. First developed by people who use drugs, harm reduction can include practical strategies that reduce the negative consequences of drug use (such as, using clean needles, or alcohol swabs); for people who engage in sex work, this may include using condoms or other safer sex practices; for people who take long-term medications, it may mean requesting a monthly shot instead of a daily pill. The truth is — every one of us uses harm reduction in our own lives, when we choose to take actions that makes us or others around us safer.

When it comes to changing patterns of behavior, it is often more sustainable to make small changes over time that you choose, rather than doing something “cold turkey” or being told what to do. For some people, abstinence may be the most effective approach, and we support that. The point is, PAD respects each individual’s choice to identify and implement the best strategies for their own recovery process, which may or may not include abstinence.

We also believe that people are accountable for their own actions and behaviors, and we commit to non-judgmental conversations about the impact of risky behaviors. Honest conversations that encourage positive change are at the heart of harm reduction.

• To learn more about harm reduction, visit the National Harm Reduction Coalition.

Beverly Fernandez, PAD’s Care Navigation Supervisor, explains what Harm Reduction is all about.

What is Housing First?

Housing First is an approach that promotes housing options that are no or low-barrier, and do not require abstinence, adherence to mental health treatment, or other mandated behavior change to maintain housing.

Housing First is achieved when permanent, affordable housing is provided as quickly as possible for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, along with the community-based supports people need to maintain their housing.

To learn more, check out the video below about the five key principles of the Housing First. and visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness.