Why This Matters

The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program was created as part of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 to address homelessness and housing insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2021, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated 70,000 tenant-based vouchers to public housing authorities across the United States. To guide future policy around homelessness services and housing voucher programs for people experiencing homelessness, we examined how six communities implemented the EHV program. This case study summarizes the program in Chicago, which targeted people exiting rapid rehousing programs and those ready to move on from permanent supportive housing, with specific allocations for youth and young adults, families, and people in gender-based violence programs.

Key Takeaways

The Chicago Continuum of Care and Chicago Housing Authority collaborated with housing service providers to provide short-term case management, housing search assistance, and landlord incentives to EHV holders. Using the self-certification waiver and extending the initial voucher search term helped Chicago lease up vouchers quickly. As of April 2025, 94 percent of EHVs in Chicago are currently leased. While Chicago’s program demonstrated successful voucher utilization among the target population, program staff recommended four specific areas for policy improvement: encourage formalized partnerships, provide funding for supportive services, extend the initial housing search term, and make EHVs a permanent subsidy.