Homeless families are referred to the program by local area shelters and other homeless assistance projects. Eligible families are assisted with move-in costs to secure permanent housing, a monthly rental subsidy to help them maintain that housing, and case management support, focused on the particular issues that caused the family to become homeless.
Priority is given to families that are homeless due to domestic violence or medical crisis.
Families must have an established source of income, or be eligible to apply for public entitlements. Rental subsidies and case management are provided for an average of nine months, however, may be provided up to 24 months in order to stabilize the family in permanent housing. The project is considered successful when families are able to maintain permanent housing for at least six months and do not become homeless again. When and Why Created The Homeless Family Assistance Program was created as a demonstration project in 1989. The program was created in response to the City.