Four housing programs are operating within Project Homeless Connect.
Housing Liaisons
Immediate navigation to those leaving the hospital or shelter sites, pointing people in the right direction for various services in the area. This is considered short-term assistance.
Rapid Rehousing
Solutions for individuals in need of medium-term assistance (under 2 years). It primarily works the same as the HCMS program with the differentiation being the length of rental assistance provided.
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
This long-term rental assistance program is for people who have high barriers to housing and could benefit from on-site case management as well as other on-site resources such as mental health support and addiction recovery support. This program also suits those who are medically vulnerable and cannot live independently.
Housing Case Management Services (HCMS)
RLRA (regional long-term rent assistance) Housing Case Management, supported by Washington County, pairs individuals experiencing homelessness with a case manager to help them secure housing and connect them with other support services in the area.
*Project Homeless Connect Washington County has a 98% housing retention rate.*
Our programs utilize the Housing First Approach, which seeks to provide stable housing before addressing typical barriers to housing such as employment, sobriety, and health. This method removes the trauma and challenges that come with homelessness and leads to a greater probability of success in overcoming un- or under-employment, addictions, or health conditions. This current best practice is showing promise as we have been able to substantially increase our housing and retention rates.
“After 6 years outside, I’m getting an apartment. I’m nervous but excited. It makes me feel like I can start over.”
