Santa Clara Homelessness Program Expands Nationwide

Destination: Home's homelessness prevention model, initiated in 2017, has already assisted nearly 44,000 individuals in Santa Clara County, providing a crucial safety net in a region with a high cost of living. The program's expansion is part of the "Right at Home" initiative, which aims to help over 10,000 families across the U.S. remain in their homes. A key component of this model is a data-driven approach to identify and support those most at risk of homelessness. The program combines temporary financial aid with case management and other support services to address the root causes of housing instability. This proactive strategy has proven to be both compassionate and cost-effective. The effectiveness of this approach is backed by a randomized controlled trial conducted by the University of Notre Dame's Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities. The study found that 90% of individuals who received assistance through the program remained housed two years later. This data-backed success has been instrumental in the program's expansion. The national expansion will see the program implemented in a diverse range of communities, including large cities, rural areas, and tribal lands in locations such as Minnesota, Alaska, Atlanta, and Asheville, North Carolina. Each community will receive at least $5 million to support approximately 1,500 households over a five-year period. The initiative has garnered significant financial support, raising $77 million from backers including Cisco, Sobrato Philanthropies, the Valhalla Foundation, and The Audacious Project. This funding will not only support the ten partner organizations but also aid in training them to adopt Destination: Home's successful prevention model. Under the leadership of CEO Jennifer Loving, Destination: Home has championed a "collective impact" model, bringing together public agencies, private funders, and non-profit service providers. This public-private partnership has been a cornerstone of their success in Santa Clara County and is a key element of the national expansion strategy.