The intervention housed participants in substance- and cost-free Project H&ART residences. Residence managers who were themselves recovering from substance use disorders provided participants with support, encouraged them to set personal goals, and helped them build peer support networks. Participants were required to (1) remain alcohol and drug free (as determined by random drug tests), (2) attend weekly community meetings, and (3) inform residence managers twice weekly about any other community services received.

Throughout the program, intervention group participants lived in Project H&ART residences. In the first two-month phase, participants attended group and individual therapy (one to two sessions per week), art therapy, psychodrama, group education classes, and weekly recreational events. Intervention participants also attended AA or NA meetings daily, which was required. In the second two-month phase, intervention group participants primarily received case management, which encouraged them to search for employment and to develop soft skills.

The IPS model provides customized and long-term vocational, case management, and mental health services to youth experiencing homelessness to help them get a job and maintain their employment. The model follows eight supported-employment principles, all of which relate to theories of psychiatric recovery. IPS participants were assigned to an employment specialist, case manager, and clinician at study enrollment. All study staff were co-located to integrate mental health services with job search supports.