Once households are re-housed, they have rapid access to services. Mainstream programs―TANF, SSI, Medicaid, and others― provide the bulk of these services.

Services can help individuals and families stabilize following a successful housing placement and provide the supports necessary to ensure that they are able to sustain their housing and access other community-based services. For individuals that have been chronically homeless, such supports should be ongoing, readily accessible, and attached to housing. The majority of individuals and families who experience homelessness do not require permanent supportive housing, but intensive services should be available on a transitional basis before and after they move into housing.

 For individuals who were chronically homeless―living on the streets or in shelters for years―permanent housing with attached supports is likely necessary if they are to sustain their housing. As the majority of chronically homeless people also have a disability, some services can be funded through Medicaid and many individuals will be eligible for services and supports funded through federal mental health and substance abuse block grants.

Individuals and families residing in transitional housing programs often have access to intensive services and supports to help them stabilize and promote individual and family well-being and capacity for self-sufficiency. Shortening the length of time people spend homeless does not diminish the need for transitional supportive services. Indeed, the beneficial effects of services increase if providers deliver them after a return to permanent housing. Transitional services to individuals and families can be funded through mainstream funding streams―including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Community Services Block Grant, the Social Services Block Grant, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration block grant programs.