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 the City and County of Santa Barbara, which targeted people experiencing chronic homelessness, households fleeing domestic violence, and households identified as ready to transition from rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs. 

Key Takeaways

Through coordination between the public housing authority and Continuum of Care, the City and County of Santa Barbara increased the payment standard, allowed for shorter lease terms, and offered landlord incentives to facilitate lease-ups. Because the City and County of Santa Barbara targeted a highly vulnerable population, they offered up to three years of wraparound services to ensure housing stability among EHV holders. As of April 2025, 92 percent of EHVs in the City and County of Santa Barbara are currently leased.

Given the program’s focus on highly vulnerable populations, wraparound services were critical for ensuring housing stability among EHV holders. Policymakers should consider linking funding for supportive services directly to voucher programs targeting individuals experiencing homelessness, recognizing that case management and tenancy support is necessary regardless of a person’s level of vulnerability.