Preventing homelessness before it occurs is preferable for human well-being and quality of life. It is also less expensive than the cost of emergency shelter and other homeless assistance programs.

Rapid re-housing is an outcome-oriented and housing-focused strategy to assisting families experiencing homelessness. It is predicated on the idea that individuals and families first need permanent housing in order address any additional issues and it is permanent housing that allows families to achieve stability and well-being. Rapid re-housing is an alternative to a shelter-based model although rapid re-housing and shelter can work together.

Click here for information on the new Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program as created by federal economic recovery legislation.

Click here for best practices in both prevention and rapid re-housing created by VCEH.

Click here for an audio conference sponsored by the National Alliance to End Homelessness featuring rapid re-housing programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Columbus, Ohio

Click here for an audio conference sponsored by the National Alliance to End Homelessness featuring a rapid re-housing program in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Click here for research on effective prevention strategies.