Rapid Rehousing Models for Homeless Youth

Rapid re-housing (RRH) for youth (defined as less than 25 years of age) is an evolving model that can be implemented using the PH-RRH component type under HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Program. Successful programs that HUD has profiled use a variety of funding sources (e.g., HUD, HHS, private and foundation funding, etc.); however, each has developed replicable, CoC-eligible, promising practices for:

1. Rapidly moving youth into permanent housing;
2. Offering short- to medium-term financial assistance; and
3. Providing developmentally appropriate case management and services.

This information, contributed by representatives from each profiled program, is not intended to represent a complete service description, but rather to highlight what is working for some programs and further an important dialogue on ending youth homelessness.

HUD has profiled four youth RRH programs that demonstrate successful approaches for assisting transition age youth to obtain and retain permanent housing. The profiles highlight each program’s philosophical and practical approaches and the transitions they have experienced in their program development. Each program uses the flexibility of the RRH model to address challenges that are unique to serving youth, and they all currently represent practices that successfully incorporate the housing model, Housing First.

Click on the links below to access each case study.

• The Permanent Housing Program by Northwest Youth Services in Bellingham Washington
• The Q-BLOCK Program by Pathfinders in Milwaukee Wisconsin
• Youth Counts Rapid Rehousing Program by the Salvation Army in Central Ohio
• The Pride Program by Valley Youth House in Greater Philadelphia Pennsylvania

For more information on RRH or the Housing First model click on the links below.

• SNAPS In Focus: Rapid Re-Housing As a Model and Best Practice
• SNAPS In Focus: Why Housing First
• Using a Housing First Philosophy When Serving Youth