Abstract
Background: Sustained fidelity of evidence-based interventions (EBI) can improve public health. This study examines Housing First (HF) providers’ strategies to sustain EBI fit within dynamic systems. Methods: Six focus groups at exemplar HF sites elicited participants’ service approaches, challenges,and strategies. Thematic analysis and strategies for rigor employed. Results: Building external relationships secured the buy-in necessary to compete for resources and disrupt services as usual. Internally, leadership and rule-bending negotiated frictions in EBI fit and counteracted practice drift. Conclusions: Novel here is a story of committed providers’ strategies and can inform the prospective planning for EBI sustainability spanning across systems.