Trump administration unveils “treatment first” addiction and homelessness toolkit

The Trump administration has introduced a new “treatment first” framework designed to address the intersection of addiction and homelessness. Released by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, the 40-page toolkit encourages federal, state, and local organizations to prioritize addiction recovery as a foundational element of anti-homelessness programs.

This strategy represents a departure from the “housing first” model utilized by the previous administration, which focused on providing permanent housing before or without drug treatment. The new approach emphasizes abstinence as a primary goal and promotes faith-based interventions while rejecting harm reduction principles. The toolkit advocates for a holistic recovery process that includes consistent daily schedules, employment, and social connectedness.

Officials cited data indicating that roughly three-quarters of homeless individuals struggle with drug addiction and nearly 80 percent suffer from mental health disorders. The administration also expressed opposition to providing unconditional access to housing, citing studies regarding overdose risks in certain supportive housing groups.