HPRP Explained: Your Guide to Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing

The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) remains one of the most impactful federal initiatives addressing housing instability in America. Created under the 2009 Recovery Act, HPRP provided $1.5 billion to communities nationwide to combat homelessness through innovative, flexible strategies. Though funding ended in 2012, its framework continues to shape modern housing policies. This guide explores HPRP’s legacy, mechanisms, and lasting influence on homelessness solutions.

What Was the Core Purpose of HPRP?

HPRP aimed to disrupt the cycle of homelessness through two evidence-based approaches:

1. Prevention: Helping at-risk households avoid homelessness through financial assistance and counseling
2. Rapid Re-Housing: Quickly moving homeless individuals into permanent housing with tailored support

Unlike traditional programs, HPRP empowered local governments and nonprofits to design interventions matching community needs. This “local control” principle became a model for future federal housing programs.

How HPRP Transformed Homelessness Response Systems

HPRP introduced groundbreaking operational shifts:

• Housing First Approach: Prioritized immediate housing placement without preconditions
• Diversion Strategies: Offered alternatives to shelters through mediation and crisis support
• Data-Driven Funding: Allocated resources based on geographic need and program performance

These innovations reduced average assistance duration to 3-6 months while maintaining housing stability for 85% of participants after program exit.

Key Components of HPRP Assistance

Eligible households could access three support categories:

1. Financial Assistance
   • Rental subsidies and arrears payments
   • Utility deposits and moving cost coverage
   • Short-term mortgage assistance
2. Housing Relocation Services
   • Landlord mediation and housing search support
   • Credit counseling and legal services
3. Case Management
   • Budgeting education and employment assistance
   • Connections to behavioral health services

HPRP’s Lasting Policy Influence

Though HPRP funding sunsetted, its DNA lives on in:

• Continuum of Care (CoC) Programs: Adopted HPRP’s rapid re-housing framework
• Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG): Incorporated prevention and diversion tactics
• COVID-19 ERA Programs: Used HPRP’s template for emergency rental assistance

Studies show communities that implemented HPRP saw 15% greater reductions in chronic homelessness compared to non-participating areas.

HPRP Frequently Asked Questions

Is HPRP still active today?

No. Original HPRP funding ended in 2012, but its methodologies continue through ESG, CoC, and Housing Choice Voucher programs.

Who qualified for HPRP assistance?

Eligibility required:

• Income below 50% of area median
• Proof of housing crisis (eviction notice, doubled-up living)
• Documented risk of homelessness within 14 days

How did HPRP differ from Section 8?

Unlike long-term Section 8 vouchers, HPRP provided short-term, flexible assistance (typically 3-18 months) without waitlists.

What replaced HPRP funding?

The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act consolidated HPRP’s concepts into the Emergency Solutions Grants program.

Did HPRP reduce homelessness?

HUD reported HPRP helped over 1.3 million people, with 76% maintaining housing 18 months after program completion.

The Enduring Legacy of HPRP

HPRP proved that strategic, short-term interventions could effectively combat homelessness. Its emphasis on local flexibility, rapid housing placement, and prevention created a blueprint for modern crisis response systems. While the program name has retired, its innovative spirit continues through evolving federal initiatives prioritizing housing as a fundamental human right.