Rapid re-housing programs

There is some evidence that rapid re-housing programs decrease the length of time individuals and families experience homelessness^{4, 5, 6, 7, 8} and increase access to social services^{5, 6}. Rapid re-housing programs may also increase housing stability^{4, 5, 7, 8}, particularly for families who began experiencing homelessness recently⁵ or those who need only short-term support⁹. However, additional evidence is needed to confirm effects.

Rapid re-housing efforts can decrease rates of homelessness¹⁰ and increase shelter turnover rates, enabling shelters to assist more people¹¹. Evaluations of programs that serve military veterans and their families indicate approximately 75% of participants have permanent housing without assistance after exiting rapid re-housing programs^{8, 12}; other family-focused rapid re-housing programs yield similar results⁵. Only a small portion of rapid re-housing participants experience homelessness again, following program completion^{6, 10, 13}; those at higher risk include veterans, Black families, and individuals whose incomes do not increase following housing placement⁸. Studies suggest single mothers, particularly survivors of trauma and abuse, may require added support services to ensure stable housing^{11, 14}.

Program participation can increase family income^{4, 11}, employment⁴, and improve financial stability⁷. Rapid re-housing programs can increase food security more than usual care and transitional housing^{11, 15} and improve well-being for adults and children⁴. Programs may improve mental and short-term physical health for heads of households^{4, 15} and reduce drug and alcohol use more than transitional housing¹⁵. Rapid re-housing also appears to reduce school absences and child behavior issues¹⁵.

Program evaluations suggest three core components of successful rapid re-housing programs: housing identification, often in partnership with landlords; rent and move-in assistance; and case management and services that connect with other providers¹³. Partnerships between shelters, agencies, funding organizations, and landlords can increase efficiency of implementation and reduce redundancy in procedures^{5, 16}.

Requirements to secure housing and employment in a short time period and to regularly recertify can be barriers to participation in rapid re-housing programs. After leaving the program, some families may have difficulty paying their full rent without subsidies^{5, 10, 17}.

Researchers suggest that rapid re-housing programs are a scalable and cost-effective homelessness crisis response intervention^{9, 13}. Rapid re-housing programs are more cost-effective than transitional housing programs and shelters^{11, 13, 15}. Rapid re-housing costs about $900 per month/per family; transitional housing ranges from $1,260 to $6,300 per month/per family¹⁵; costs for rapid re-housing differ based on local rental rates^{10, 15}. Financial support to cover move-in costs such as first and last month’s rent, security deposits, and utility payments are the largest program costs⁵.

Rapid re-housing programs can operate at the state, county, or city level, as in Colorado¹⁸; Hennepin County, Minnesota^{19, 20}; and Salt Lake City, Utah²⁰. Non-profit organizations can also provide rapid re-housing services, such as Journey Home in Greater Hartford, Connecticut²¹.

Programs may focus services on specific groups. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (CDOLA) operates the Homelessness Resolution Program for families and individuals, which includes targeted funding for Youth Housing Stability and supportive services for Formerly Incarcerated People (FIP)^{18, 22}. In partnership with the Colorado branch of the Volunteers of America, CDOLA supports the Rapid Re-housing Re-entry program, which works to break the cycle of homelessness and incarceration²³. Also in Colorado, Almost Home’s Next Step Program is part of their Rapid Re-housing Program; it focuses on families with school-aged children from enrolled school districts². Programs may feature additional support for survivors of domestic violence, such as Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance’s Rapid Re-Housing for Families program²⁴ and the Journey Center for Safety and Healing’s Domestic Violence Housing Initiative for individuals and families in Cleveland, Ohio²⁵.

Rapid re-housing programs can be a collaborative effort between non-profits and social service agencies. The National Alliance to End Homelessness²⁶ and the Road Home Dane County, in Wisconsin, are two examples of such collaborative efforts²⁷. Public libraries can also partner with rapid rehousing programs to advance their efforts to reach out and provide services for individuals experiencing homelessness. For example, public libraries in Fond du Lac, Kenosha, and Janesville in Wisconsin offer safe places to rest, provide daily essentials, and connect community services to people experiencing homelessness²⁸. In Baltimore, for three years from 2023 to 2026, the Housing Navigators Program placed staff members at key library branches to provide consultations, individualized housing stability plans, and resource connections to help rehouse people as quickly as possible²⁹.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program is one example of a rapid re-housing program that serves veterans. The program provides grants to organizations that place veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and their families in stable, permanent housing and provide services to help them maintain stable housing^{30, 31, 32}.

CDOLA-RRH - Colorado Department of Local Affairs (CDOLA). (2026). Rapid re-housing. Retrieved August 5, 2026.

CA DHCD-Rapid re-housing - California Department of Housing and Community Development (CA DHCD). (2022, August 23). Rapid re-housing manual. Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG). Retrieved June 5, 2025.

NAEH-RR 2016 - National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH). Rapid re-housing performance benchmarks and program standards. 2016.

LHS^‡ - Local Housing Solutions (LHS). To enhance local affordability and foster inclusive communities. New York University, Furman Center and Abt Associates, Inc.