Best Practices for Solving Homelessness and Increasing Affordable Housing in California

Best practices  are methods or techniques that have been generally accepted as superior to any alternatives because they  produce results which are superior to those achieved by other means. These practices are not considered evidence-based because not enough rigorous research has shown them to be effective, which may yet happen. Examples of these include:

• Rapid rehousing, recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a best practice when coupled with a Housing First approach. In rapid rehousing, the provision of rental assistance and supportive services is temporary because of an expectation that a household will be able to maintain their housing on their own after the assistance ends.
• Housing navigation, recognized as a best practice by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Navigation involves helping a household that is homeless develop a housing plan, address the barriers identified during the plan, and acquire documentation and complete forms required for housing. It also involves housing search which includes attending property owner meetings, setting appointments, and assisting with paperwork related to housing applications. Navigation also includes tasks involved with securing housing including inspections, utility startups, and moving into housing.