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New in the 2008 Continuum of Care application cycle are funds set aside for Rapid Re-Housing Demonstration projects. As indicated in the Continuum of Care NOFA released on July 11, 2008, Congress has appropriated $25 million dollars for Rapid Re-housing programs that will be funded in each of the 10 HUD regions. HUD will award $23.75 million in Rapid Re-Housing for Families demonstration projects with $1.25 million set aside for an independent study of the selected programs. To view requirements and scoring criteria for Rapid Re-Housing projects submitted through the 2008 Continuum of Care application, click the link below.

2008 Rapid Re-Housing Requirements

For communities that are looking to create Rapid Re-Housing projects, there is a wealth of information provided through research on existing Housing First for Families programs. In March of 2004, the National Alliance to End Homelessness published a study of Housing First Programs for Families. Highlighting programs in 14 different communities, this study details the structure of various Rapid Re-Housing programs from across the country.

Research conducted by LFA (LaFrance Associates, LLC) found that all housing first programs shared key program design components above the overall goal of providing housing to families first and foremost and wrapping services around them according to their needs once permanent housing is secured. These key program design components include:

* Initial crisis intervention;
* Housing search to help participants obtain permanent housing;
* Home-based case management to stabilize participants once they are re-housed; and
* Direct financial assistance to assist with move-in and other costs associated with becoming re-housed.

The study details similarities and differences in each of the key program components highlighting how specific programs have addressed the needs of the families they serve through these components. The research looks at the barriers these programs and communities had to overcome in developing a Housing First model and ways in which they worked to overcome those barriers.

A full description of the programs from staffing, housing and service components to funding sources and partnerships is provided. In addition, the research provides an outline of steps necessary in designing and implementing a Housing First for Families program. The National Alliance to End Homelessness Housing First for Families research document is a powerful tool for all communities looking to develop Rapid Re-Housing programs for families. To read the full study click here.

To view a summary of Rapid Re-Housing produced by the National Alliance to End Homelessness click here.

To read our other posts on this topic click here.

Related Monarch Blog posts

• What is Rapid Re-housing? (0)
• What is HUD’s Rapid Re-Housing initiative? (0)
• SuperNOFA provides guidance on Rapid Re-Housing (1)
• Keys: Ending Family Homelessness (1)
• Homeless assessment tools and how they work (0)

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