Skip to main content

The Community Empowerment Fund: A Matched Saving Model as an Innovative Approach to Housing the Homeless

 

By

Publication Date

July 2014

Author(s)

Alexandra Biggers, Maggie West, Allison De Marco, Jessica Dorrance, and Kim Manturuk
Read the Publication

Abstract

Prevention efforts, rapid rehousing, and housing-first approaches have been major contributors in addressing homelessness. However, budget cuts may jeopardize these gains.

The objective of this article is to use administrative data to examine an innovative new program’s ability to assist those experiencing homelessness to attain and retain permanent housing through asset building and access to financial services to build a more financially secure future.

Results suggest that this program does foster savings and the attainment of permanent housing. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Topics(s): Affordable Homeownership, Financial Capability, Financial Inclusion, Homeownership Counseling, Savings & Asset-Building