Shelter Diversion, Rapid Rehousing and Outreach

Shelter Diversion and Rapid Re-housing (RRH) are evidence-based approaches to end homelessness as quickly as possible for families and individuals. Both programs follow the “Housing First” model which recognizes that people are much more likely to find success when they are no longer in a stressful crisis situation. Rather than wait for people who have become homeless to be “housing ready,” Mercy’s Shelter Diversion aims to divert individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis from entering the homeless response system by helping them to connect to alternative housing options and mainstream resources. Mercy’s Rapid Re-Housing using targeted financial assistance and short-term services to quickly return individuals and families who have slipped into homelessness back into housing and stability.