 These criticisms have been rebutted on the grounds that Housing First is a program to end homelessness not to reduce substance abuse, though more recent research indicates it is more effective than traditional approaches in this regard as well.This exchange highlights the way in which the selection of outcomes sets both the terms of the debate and the parameters of “what works.” Embedded in that mantra are a priori decisions about what constitutes working and for whom; in this case it was stable housing for the chronic homeless.According to Stanhope, Housing First “asserts a right to housing.