The Department of Human Services, with support from contracted service providers, operates two Permanent Housing Programs: Permanent Supportive Housing and Targeted Affordable Housing.
Eligibility and prioritization for these programs is guided by the Coordinated Entry and Housing Placement (CAHP) prioritization criteria and matching policies. The only way to access these housing resources is to be connected to a homeless services provider through the Continuum of Care.
To qualify for any permanent housing program, you must be a resident of the District of Columbia, have at least one year of documented chronic homelessness (one consecutive year or four episodes within the last three years that accumulate to more than one year), have a chronic disabling condition, and have limited income-earning potential.
Permanent Supportive Housing
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is an evidence-based intervention that combines intensive, voluntary services with a permanent housing voucher or subsidy. PSH supportive services are designed to build independent living and tenancy skills and connect people with community-based health care, treatment, and employment services.
PSH provides the most comprehensive housing and services support within the Continuum of Care to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
DHS operates three types of PSH:
- Unit-Based: Rental assistance is tied to a specific unit in a building, rather than to a particular tenant.
- Tenant-Based: The voucher is tied to the tenant, not a specific unit, meaning the participant can choose anywhere in the District of Columbia, as long as the unit meets certain quality and affordability standards.
- Local Veterans: The Local Veterans program is a Tenant-Based program that only serves Veterans, including those who are not eligible for or receiving services from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.
Targeted Affordable Housing
The Targeted Affordable Housing (TAH) program provides a permanent rental subsidy with quarterly case management check-ins to ensure housing stability. TAH is designed to assist individuals and families who are independent, but due to disability, age, or other socio-economic factors, require a long-term subsidy to prevent homelessness. Participants are engaged in community services and do not require intensive services to remain stably housed.