Frequently Used Systems Engagement (FUSE)
CSH FUSE is a cost-effective, data-driven intervention that helps communities break the cycle of homelessness. CSH partners with communities to identify people with complex needs who frequently cycle through emergency systems—such as shelters, hospitals, and jails—and connect them to the housing and services they need to achieve stability.
FUSE 20th Anniversary:
Two Decades of Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness
Since launching the program in 2005, CSH has worked with more than 50 communities to implement FUSE and helped more than 3,000 people achieve stability.
How FUSE Works to Break the Cycle
Supportive housing works. Studies show time and again that people experiencing homelessness do better and are healthier when they have a home and the services they need to thrive. Housing plus services breaks the jail to homelessness cycle and significantly reduces reliance on costly crisis systems.
FUSE helps communities by combining five core elements:
- Supportive Housing: Long-term, affordable housing paired with services provides the stability necessary for improved health, reduced justice involvement, and sustained engagement with care.
- Multi-System Data Sharing and Matching: Cross-sector data matching identifies individuals who cycle repeatedly through shelters, jails, and emergency health systems. This allows communities to prioritize housing and services based on need, frequency, and cost.
- Cross System Engagement: Housing, health, human services, and justice system leaders collaborate to design and implement a shared strategy. This coordination ensures that partners align workflows, resources, and decision-making.
- Inclusion and Leadership of People with Lived Experience: People who have experienced homelessness and crisis services help shape program design, practice, and accountability.
- Cost-effective Solutions: Evaluations across multiple communities have shown that reductions in crisis service use often offset or exceed the cost of supportive housing.
FUSE is Implemented in 50+ Communities
More than 50 communities across the country have implemented FUSE as a solution, helping more than 3,000 people achieve stability. Click on a community to learn more about their FUSE program.
FUSE is a Proven Model for Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness
Justice System Outcomes:
FUSE reduces arrests, jail usage, bookings, and days spent in jail or prison.
Healthcare System Outcomes:
Reduces ambulance trips, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and inpatient admissions.
Shelter System Outcomes:
Reduces days spent in shelters and helps residents achieve housing stability.
How Communities Implement FUSE
To implement FUSE, communities follow three main steps:
- Planning: CSH works with communities to understand their unique challenges and opportunities. We help communities establish a project champion and establish data sharing processes across health, justice, and homeless systems.
- Implementation: We leverage data to identify participants, establish referral pathways, and connect participants to supportive housing.
- Evaluation and Scaling: We partner with communities to evaluate the outcomes and opportunities to scale the program.
Get in Touch with the CSH Data and Analytics Team
Get in touch with our team to learn more about bringing FUSE to your community.