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 Connecticut, which targeted households transitioning from rapid rehousing assistance, households prioritized through the state’s coordinated entry system, and individuals or families fleeing domestic violence.
Key Takeaways
The Connecticut Department of Housing leveraged existing relationships with a housing development consulting firm, Coordinated Access Networks across the state, and the two local Continuums of Care to administer the program. To facilitate lease-ups, program partners allowed for self-certification of income and citizenship or eligible immigration status, increased the payment standard to 120 percent of fair market rent, and extended the initial search term from 60 days to 12 months. The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction made $2 million available for case management services to high-acuity EHV holders and individuals participating in similar mental health initiatives across the state. As of April 2025, 86 percent of EHVs in Connecticut remained leased.
Given limited funding for supportive services, Connecticut’s EHV program intentionally prioritized people moving on from permanent supportive housing or those transitioning from rapid rehousing assistance who likely needed less support or lighter-touch case management. When considering future vouchers for people experiencing homelessness, policymakers should ensure full funding for supportive services to promote the long-term sustainability of the program and stabilization of EHV holders.
