Impact of Housing Assistance on Outcomes for Homeless Families

The Ending Family Homelessness (EFH) pilot program, which began in April 2013, provides rapid re-housing and other services to homeless families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). We examined outcomes over a 12-month follow-up period for EFH participants relative to three separate statistically matched comparison groups: those in non-EFH rapid re-housing, those in transitional housing, and those who remained homeless. Compared to TANF parents who remain homeless, EFH participants are significantly more likely to remain on TANF, progress along the WorkFirst program continuum from barrier removal to employment, be employed, and have higher average annual earnings. They are significantly less likely to be sanctioned while on TANF, experience a return to homelessness, or be arrested.