Regional Hotel Assistance Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

In an Urban County that spans 3,638 miles, it is a challenge to provide adequate shelter that can meet the needs of persons experiencing homelessness, while meeting them where they are physically located. In response to this challenge, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the creation of the Regional Hotel Assistance Program (RHAP). The program provides emergency /bridge housing to persons experiencing homelessness in the unincorporated area of San Diego County via hotels and motels.This critical intervention is delivered through the County of San Diego’s (County) Homeless Assistance Response Team (HART) though weekly street outreach. HART is comprised of public health nurses, family resource staff to determine benefit eligibility, Sheriff staff, and contractors and provides same day hotel placement, transportation assistance, case management, housing navigation, landlord incentives, permanent housing, and housing stability case management service. Shortly after the inception of RHAP, the Board approved the creation of a Local Rental Subsidy Program. This program provides up to two years of rental assistance and case management to persons exiting County shelter programs. This continuum of services has allowed the County to effectively address the major challenge of homelessness.