Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program & Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Emergency Fund

Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, which includes a one-time $1.5 billion appropriation for the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). States were allocated money on a formula basis and directed to fund agencies statewide to address the issues of homelessness. In Utah, HPRP funds are distributed through the State of Utah- Department of Community and Culture- State Community Services Office (SCSO). Thirteen agencies throughout Utah received HPRP funding for the grant period of September 30, 2009- September 30, 2012.

HPRP provides financial assistance and services to either prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless or to help those who are experiencing homelessness- many due to the current economic crisis - to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. The assistance focuses on housing stabilization, linking program participants to community resources and mainstream benefits, and helping them develop a plan for preventing future housing instability.  The funds under this program are intended to target individuals and families who would be homeless but for assistance.

In addition to preventing homelessness, HPRP will meet HUD's overriding goal of creating and preserving jobs.  Many individuals and families who benefit from this program will be able to concentrate efforts on re-entering the workforce and attaining self-sufficiency, thereby producing economic activity and enhancing the number of jobs created/saved.

Links

Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Emergency Fund

The State Community Services Office (SCSO) is disbursing millions of dollars in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) dollars through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP).  The Utah Department of Workforce Services is helping this effort by using Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) funds, distributed and monitored by SCSO, to benefit homeless families and those families at risk of becoming homeless.  In conjunction with HPRP, the needs and status of these families will be tracked and success will be measured not just on household level, but also the effect on the homeless system overall.

The TANF program is designed to provide nonrecurring, short-term benefits that:

  • Are designed to deal with a specific crisis situation or episode of need;
  • Are not intended to meet recurrent or ongoing needs; and
  • Will not extend beyond four months

The Eligibility Requirements of TANF;

  • Family income must not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
  • Family must contain a citizen or legal resident
  • Family must have a dependent child living with a parent, relative or legal guardian.  A dependent child is defined as a child under the age of 18
  • At least one member of the family must provide a social security number so income and citizenship/residency status may be verified