Rapid Re-housing Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

In October 2016, as part of an on-going effort to ensure that timely and relevant services are continuously provided to individuals experiencing homelessness in Palm Beach County, the Community Services Department reallocated resources and funding to implement a Rapid Re-housing program (RRH). This evidence-based model was selected to address the homeless epidemic in our community under the oversight and management of the PBC Division of Human & Veteran Services (DHS). DHS previously used ad valorem funds and resources to serve individuals experiencing homelessness by placing them in emergency shelter in halfway houses. The length of stay in the emergency shelter placement could not exceed 90 days, and as a result, few individuals in the program were able to secure permanent stable housing placements and returned to homelessness. The newly-implemented RRH model allows an individual to remain in the program up to 24 months, which allows more time to work on goals such as employment, education, and any additional resources that could increase the likelihood of maintaining long-term permanent housing. The results of the funding reallocation showed an increase in exits to permanent safe and affordable housing placements and a reduction in returns to homelessness.