Exploring Variation in Housing First Implementation: The Role of Fit

This exploratory study examines how three types of fit (technical, cultural, and political) between an evidence-based practice and adopting organization explain fidelity in terms of quantity and quality of core components implemented. Using data from 20 supportive housing programs, fidelity was calculated using a quantitative scale and fit was coded using qualitative program director interviews. Relationships between fidelity and fit were tested with Fisher’s exact tests. Cultural fit predicted both high quality and quantity fidelity, and technical fit predicted high-quality fidelity. Interviews provided qualitative examples of how fit influenced implementation. Study results provide preliminary support for the relationship between practice-organization fit and fidelity.