In 2023, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) invested $485 million to help communities address unsheltered and rural homelessness, committing a portion of that funding to Joint Transitional Housing–Rapid Rehousing (TH/RRH) programs. The innovative TH/RRH model combines immediate access to transitional housing with guaranteed time-limited rental assistance, providing rapid rehousing and wraparound supportive services across the two components.

To better understand this relatively unexplored program model, researchers from the Urban Institute and the University of Kentucky College of Social Work partnered to examine how Joint TH/RRH programs can function as a strategy to reduce unsheltered homelessness—with an eye toward implementation opportunities, limitations, and lessons learned.

What We Found

At a high level, TH/RRH programs emphasized client choice; flexible participation in either or both components; and low-barrier access, allowing partners, pets, and possessions when possible. Practices and policies that elevated Housing First principles were a core feature of the programs—for example, treatment for mental health or substance use disorders was offered but not mandated for clients. Although most TH/RRH programs shared the same basic structure and key Housing First tenets, we also saw wide variation in and adaptations of the model according to community context, target population, and other local considerations.

Despite this variation, the survey data and qualitative findings surfaced several key themes:

• Joint TH/RRH programs promote future housing stability by providing short-term stabilization placements, time-limited rental assistance, and continued access to wraparound supportive services. Across programs, staff emphasized that definitions of success in the program vary according to participant, but the overarching program goal is to equip participants with the tools they need to maintain their housing stability after assistance ends—offering a bridge for participants by providing the resources and tools necessary to overcome potential barriers to maintaining their housing.
• Joint TH/RRH programs are one strategy to address unsheltered homelessness in communities, but they may not meet all needs. The survey findings suggest that TH/RRH programs play an important role in a community’s homelessness response system by offering immediate relief from unsheltered homelessness and a pathway to permanent housing—providing low-barrier housing access and supports to people who might not otherwise access shelters or services. While noting the value of the TH/RRH model, many staff felt that the program may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who struggle to afford market-rate housing after the program ends or require more intensive, long-term care options.
• Strengths of the program model include moving people out of unsheltered situations quickly, supporting rapid transitions to permanent housing in the community, and leveraging community resources to support a wide range of program user needs. Program users expressed gratitude for the program and the support they had received in their transition out of homelessness. By centering client voice and choice, Joint TH/RRH programs work with program users to overcome barriers and achieve their personal goals. Program staff leveraged community resources, such as their Continuum of Care, local nonprofits, and landlord relationships, to offer clients a wide range of support.

As communities look to strategies for addressing rising unsheltered homelessness, this report considers the Joint TH/RRH program model as one tool communities can use to safely house and stabilize people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. We also offer targeted recommendations to continue to improve the design and overall impact of Joint TH/RRH programs to address the needs and preferences of people experiencing homelessness.

How We Did It

We surveyed 100 TH/RRH program staff nationwide to better understand program and community characteristics, program practices and services, and implementation and service provision experiences. Following the survey, we then conducted 27 interviews with TH/RRH program staff across seven program sites and led six focus groups with 26 participants at three of those sites.