“I Felt Safe”: The Role of the Rapid Rehousing Program in Supporting the Security of Families Experiencing Homelessness in Salt Lake County, Utah

Abstract

<jats:p>Homelessness is a public health issue that many organizations are addressing through a Housing First Model. One such organization is The Road Home (TRH), which provides services to homeless individuals and families in Salt Lake County. TRH is perhaps best known for their emergency shelters, but the organization also administers the Rapid Rehousing Program (RRHP), designed to help families experiencing homelessness transition back into stable housing. Those experiencing homelessness tend to have high rates of chronic mental/physical disabilities as well as issues related to substance abuse. Having a home is the first step toward achieving some kind of stability in their lives. The RRHP allows families to find housing in the private rental market and will cover the initial costs and several months of rent for clients. While the program has been praised by policymakers and social service providers for helping homeless families find rental housing, there is no empirical research about participant perspectives regarding their residential (in)security. The research question of this article is: what is the role of the RRHP in supporting the security of families experiencing homelessness? Researchers collected qualitative data through focus groups and interviews with 31 participants, 23 families experiencing homelessness, two landlords, six case managers, and service providers. Lastly, we identify recommendations for program improvements based on information gathered from research participants. It is our hope that the information presented in this article can and will be used in a way that improves public health by increasing the residential security of families experiencing homelessness.</jats:p>

Community perspectives on how decentralising an emergency shelter influences transportation needs and use for persons experiencing homelessness

“…Such an epistemology highlights that communities are the source of knowledge and expertise. Based on our interdisciplinary team's prior community‐engaged work in Salt Lake Valley (e.g., García & Kim, 2020; Rose, 2019; Smith et al, 2021), we convened a project advisory committee including representatives from local government and homelessness‐serving agencies. Guided by principles inherent in community‐based participatory research (Israel et al, 2005), the advisory committee was consulted during bimonthly meetings to inform participant recruitment, data collection, and data interpretation.…”

A WISH to be Housed: Exploring the Winter Interim Solution to Homelessness (WISH) Temporary Accommodation Model in London, Canada

“…Rapid re-housing typically involving three components: (1) recruiting landlords and identifying suitable housing, (2) offering moving and rent assistance, and (3) providing access to case management at home and other supportive services (Garcia & Kim, 2020 , p. 2)…”

Making the Case for Proactive Strategies to Alleviate Homelessness: A Systems Approach

“…These experiences affect the quality of life and overall well-being of individuals and the ability to maintain housing [ 21 ]. Additionally, households unable to afford rent experience an increased risk of homelessness [ 22 ].…”