Examining Transitional Housing-Rapid Rehousing Programs as a Strategy for Reducing Unsheltered Homelessness

Abstract: Examining Transitional Housing-Rapid Rehousing Programs as a Strategy to Address Unsheltered Homelessness Joint component transitional housing-rapid rehousing programs (TH-RRH) are a growing strategy to address unsheltered homelessness across the US. With increased funding for TH-RRH programs through the 2022 SNOFO to address rural and unsheltered homelessness, it is critical to understand the design and role TH-RRH programs play in communities and as a component of homelessness response systems. This 24-month project uses a community engaged sequential explanatory design to address three key questions around design and implementation of TH-RRH programs: 1) What are the key design, implementation, and service provision characteristics of TH-RRH programs? 2) How have TH-RRH programs been developed and implemented in communities? 3) How do providers and program users view these programs? 4) What are preliminary outcomes in TH-RRH programs awarded SNOFO funding? Guided by an advisory board comprised of providers, policymakers, and service users, we will conduct an online survey of TH-RRH providers to better understand their programs and services. Qualitative interviews with program providers and service users of TH-RRH programs will then contextualize and build upon survey findings as well as incorporate perspectives of people with lived experiences of homelessness into research findings. We will also conduct a small outcomes study to explore preliminary outcomes of joint component programs selected through the 2022 SONFO. Findings have implications for both policy and practice; findings can help provide emerging evidence of strengths and areas for improvement of current TH-RRH models to better address the needs of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness and may have implications for future funding availability and prioritization of joint component models in overall HUD and other federal, local, and private funding and serve as a foundation for future research. The proposed subcontract will allow for continued involvement and effort from the study’s PI, Lynden Bond, as she transitions from the Urban Institute (prime) to the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (sub).