The District has several programs that help prevent families and individuals at risk of homelessness from entering the shelter system or assist with rapid exit from shelter. These programs include the Homeless Prevention Program (HPP), Project Reconnect, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), and DC Flex.
Homeless Prevention Program (HPP)
The Homeless Prevention Program (HPP) prevents families at risk of homelessness from entering the shelter system by providing services and resources that stabilize the family within the community. Diversion services are also available to assist families who have been displaced from their homes by securing emergency housing outside of the shelter system while receiving supportive services to help stabilize their housing or until permanent housing placement.
HPP providers assist families with developing a plan, identifying resources, and setting goals that will help them maintain stable housing within their pre-existing support networks, rather than coming into the shelter system. HPP service providers also offer mediation services and flexible financial assistance.
All referrals for HPP are made through the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (VWFRC), the central intake office for all families in the District of Columbia seeking assistance with their housing needs.
Project Reconnect
Project Reconnect is the District's diversion and rapid exit program for single adults or adult-only families (adult siblings, a parent with an 18+ year old son/daughter, an adult couple, etc.). The program's goal is to keep individuals from ever experiencing homelessness – or to return individuals to housing as quickly as possible after experiencing homelessness – by providing short-term assistance. The program can provide the following services:
- Transportation Assistance to help individuals return to friends and family out of town.
- Mediation or Financial Assistance to assist with connecting with a local host family (a friend or family member who might be willing to let the individual stay with them while they get on their feet).
- One-time Deposit Assistance if an individual has enough income to continue paying rent after they are in a unit.
The program is available to unaccompanied adults experiencing homelessness who are 18 years of age or older and satisfy one of the following criteria:
- New Arrivals to Low-Barrier Shelter: Those who present at low-barrier shelters for at least one week but have no prior documentation of homelessness in the District’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
- Non-Recent Returners: Individuals who return to a low-barrier shelter for at least a week after an extended absence from shelter (e.g., at least one month).
- Transitioning from System Involvement: Individuals who are transitioning from jail/prison, or are aging out of the foster care system, are without housing supports in place.
- Family Engaged: Individuals who demonstrate a willingness and ability to connect with friends and family.
Personnel at low-barrier shelters may refer clients who fulfill the program criteria by sending an email to [email protected] or by completing the Navigation Tool. Upon referral, clients will be assigned an appointment with a trained case management staff member who will facilitate the subsequent steps.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps District residents earning less than 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are facing housing emergencies by providing funding for overdue rent including late fees and court costs if the qualified household is facing eviction. The program also supports security deposits and the first month's rent for residents moving into new apartments. The amount paid on behalf of eligible households depends on a household's income and available resources and is subject to certain limitations.
Per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Rent Reasonableness Guidelines, ERAP may provide up to five times the rental amount based on the area zip code and bedroom size of the apartment/house.
To meet the basic eligibility requirements for ERAP, you need to be a DC resident, you need to be at least 30 days behind in rent for back rental assistance applicants or have a need for a security deposit and first month’s rent assistance, and your household needs to be under the income limits. To view eligibility requirements and apply for ERAP, please click the following link: erap.dhs.dc.gov.
Please note: the ERAP application portal is currently closed.
Additional information about ERAP income eligibility and fair market rent in the District is available here.
For questions or concerns about emergency rental assistance, please contact [email protected].
DC Flex
DHS launched a pilot rental subsidy program called DC Flex, which gives low-income, working or work-ready families and individuals a shallow, flexible rent subsidy for up to five years.
Because a household’s ability to pay rent may change as their income and expenses fluctuate month-to-month, participants can choose how much of their DC Flex funds to spend on rent in a given month (up to their total rent amount) until the $8,400 (families) or $7,200 (individuals) is exhausted. DHS is evaluating the effectiveness of this intervention through a partnership with The Lab @ DC.