Housing

Rapid Re-Housing programs, a best housing practice for alleviating homelessness, provide financial assistance and supportive services to families experiencing homelessness. The goal of the program is to expedite housing and stabilization of the family as quickly as possible. It is easier and more efficient for families to sign up for benefits or apply for jobs when they have the stability that a home provides. They are also less stressed and better organized at home than when in shelter.

The program provides several forms of assistance, including the following: identification of affordable housing suitable for the family’s needs; short-term or medium-term rental assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services, including such activities as mediation, credit counseling, security or utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and case management. Housing case managers and a housing specialist assist each family to develop a housing plan, serve as liaison between family and landlord, and manage complex issues such as lease options, contracts and apartment inspections.