At this time, we are not accepting any new clients into our Rapid Rehousing Program.

Our Rapid Rehousing program helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness obtain and maintain permanent housing. Our organization strives to nurture positive, professional relationships with landlords in the community to quickly house our participants and promote the purpose of the Rapid Rehousing program.

Program participants are enrolled into the program through the Coordinated Entry process, or they transition from our Emergency Family Shelter into Rapid Rehousing. To qualify for the program, participants must score a certain number on their VI-SPDAT. VI-SPDAT stands for Vulnerability Index – Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool, and it is used as a pre-assessment to quickly determine which clients are at the highest risk and should be served first. It also helps providers determine which programs a client qualifies for, and which program is best suited to meet a client’s needs, such as Rapid Rehousing, Permanent Supportive Housing, or Shelter Plus Care. The information on the VI-SPDAT is collected via self-reporting.

Participants receive up to 30 days of case management prior to being housed, and can remain in the program for up to two years (with recertification). During their participation, participants can receive financial and rental assistance on a graduated system. The YWCA will pay a portion of the family or individual’s rent, and that portion will slowly decrease as the participant becomes more financially stable and independent. We are able to pay security and utility deposits, prorated rent, rental arrears, moving costs, and other expenses associated with moving into a new place. While participants receive assistance, they also receive case management services to provide them with a supportive mentor who can help them achieve goals related to maintaining permanent housing.

Rapid Rehousing

Program Success Stories

CM

The YWCA received a family of four who had recently fallen into homelessness due to financial strains. Once the family arrived at our shelter, the mother, CM and fiancé, GB, worked diligently with their Family Advocate Case Manager to develop goals and action steps on how they would transition out of the shelter and into stable, permanent housing. Their Family Advocate completed a VI-SPDAT assessment to determine that they qualified for the Rapid Rehousing program.

The YWCA worked with a property, T.E. Johnson & Sons Inc., a company had worked with previous clients to give them second chances at housing opportunities. CM, GB, and their children were approved for a 3-bedroom apartment. While moving in, the family discovered much of their belongings were damaged while in a storage unit. The Family Advocate Case Manager connected with Barnabas Network to complete a furniture referral to help them furnish their new home. The family was also connected with Bob’s Closet at Replacements, Ltd. to get some clothing.

GB started his new job as a security guard at a local hotel. Both children maintained high grades and even received praise from their school’s principal for being exceptional students despite the challenges that came with online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. CM and GB received continued case management services to promote longevity in permanent housing.

Henry

Henry worked as a truck driver for over 20 years. A hospitalization due to multiple health problems, including a critical breathing condition, led to doctors recommending he remain out of work. He knew he had a financial obligation, so he opted to continue until a serious health scare requiring medical intervention forced him out of the workforce. His declining health, in addition to COVID-19 struggles, eventually led the truck that earned him a living to become his home for a year. He was able to briefly stay in a hotel but ran out of money quickly. Due to his inability to work because of his medical conditions, Henry pursued social security disability benefits. Unfortunately, that process can take up to 12 months before applicants will begin receiving those benefits.

Partners Ending Homelessness facilitated a VI-SPDAT (Vulnerability Index- Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool) in April 2021 to determine the best program to meet Henry’s needs. He scored to be a participant in the Rapid Rehousing program and was placed on the Coordinated Entry Rapid Rehousing waitlist. The YWCA took on his case and our Rapid Rehousing Case Manager, Tiffany Dumas, began working with him in May 2021. Just one month later, Henry was housed in the perfect apartment to accommodate his needs. Barnabas Network helped us provide furniture for him and he receives medication management through an Orange Card from Guilford Community Care Network.

Tiffany continues to meet weekly with Henry to carry out the person-centered goals they set at the beginning of his participation in the program. He attends all of his scheduled medical appointments and participates in various health and wellness activities.

SM

SM and her two children came to the YWCA Emergency Family from New Jersey, seeking a better life and fleeing domestic violence. SM was extremely self-directed and set goals for her family that she accomplished each week. Due to previous experience, she was immediately hired as a Security Professional. She organized childcare for her children and managed transporting her children to daycare and herself to work by using Uber and the GTA bus line.

SM qualified for Rapid Rehousing Program housing services. After being in the Emergency Shelter for 30 days, she located a housing opportunity and moved into permanent stable housing. Upon receiving her housing, she received a generous furniture donation from The Barnabas Network and was later blessed with a vehicle from Wheels For Hope Organization.

SM continues to prove her stability and permanence in housing and has been housed for one year. She has hopes of attending EMT training as one of her continued goals.