New National Standards for Shelter and Interim Housing Programs

Shelter and interim housing programs play essential roles in keeping people safe and helping people connect to permanent housing. Communities and providers have long needed clear and consistent expectations and guidance for the design and operations of such programs. The new National Standards for Shelter and Interim Housing Programs, developed by the Reimagining Interim Housing project, were deeply informed by people with lived expertise, program staff, system leaders, and others. The Standards provide clear expectations that can be adapted and applied based on local circumstances to help provider organizations and communities improve people’s experiences and strengthen the quality, safety, and effectiveness of programs. The project has also released updated publications to help communities and organizations reimagine approaches to sheltering people experiencing homelessness while also strengthening existing programs.