The Effectiveness of Shallow Rent Subsidies In Ending or Preventing Family Homelessness

Abstract

This report has been compiled for Minnesota's State Director for Ending Long-Term Homelessness. The Director has an interest as to whether a less costly form of rental subsidy may have similar, positive outcomes as those provided by more costly, traditional rental subsidy programs in ending or preventing family homelessness. If the less costly subsidies could be shown to be as effective as their more costly counterparts, there would be an interest in pursuing them in Minnesota in order to maximize funding. This report will examine national literature and case studies to determine what the strengths and weaknesses of limited rental subsidies are in serving families currently or at risk of experiencing homelessness. With the framework developed in this paper, the specific areas that may require more research are identified.