. >> reporter: housing first is how thomas lamberton, homeless for eight years, got into his apartment about two years ago. >> this is the picture of cardboard that i slept on and my backpack i used for a pillow. >> reporter: as an alcoholic living on the streets of honolulu, lamberton had regular seizures. did you go to the emergency room when you were on the streets? >> every other week at least. well, it was constant. it's embarrassing when nurses know your first name.¡ hey thomas.' it's like, ¡whoa.' this is my bedroom, and my bathroom, with a shower. >> reporter: then, a local nonprofit got lamberton on a list for a housing first apartment. >> i mean, i'm not drinking. that's first of all. and you know, when you're not drinking, you're gonna be healthier. and i have a place to put food in the refrigerator. >> reporter: since he moved in, lamberton has also stopped having seizures. he's on medicaid and sees a primary care doctor. and he's been to the emergency room only twice, for minor injuries he got volunteering at the humane society. >> my health is great now, because i don't h