Homelessness Prevention System (HPS)
Last Revised: October 22, 2025
- Issue Areas
- Housing and community development
Program overview
Focused on preventing homelessness: The homelessness prevention system (HPS) is a network of local government agencies, nonprofit service providers, and private funders in Santa Clara County (CA) that assists households at imminent risk of becoming homeless.
Identifying households at highest risk of homelessness: Households participate in a standardized pre-screening interview and questionnaire to determine their risk for homelessness. Those who are determined to be at high risk and meet other eligibility criteria (e.g., county residency, income thresholds) are eligible for HPS services.
Offering comprehensive services: HPS offers case management, legal services, and temporary financial assistance through a network of community-based providers. Based on individual needs, households can access specialized services, such as substance use treatment, domestic violence support services, legal aid, and more.
Providing temporary financial assistance: A key aspect of HPS is the provision of temporary financial assistance to stabilize clients and keep them housed. Case managers work with households to determine the amount of assistance they need. While financial assistance is primarily used to cover rent or other housing-related expenses, under the HPS model, clients may access these funds to cover a range of expenses that will keep them housed. On average, each household receives $6,119 in total assistance while participating in HPS.
- Cost per Participant
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$2,138 per person (administrative costs and aid)
- Location
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Santa Clara County (CA)
One study with a rigorous design provides some evidence for the homelessness prevention system model as a strategy for preventing homelessness.
A 2023 randomized controlled trial found that individuals who received financial assistance through HPS, in addition to the program's other services, experienced homelessness at a rate 3.8 percentage points lower than individuals who just received non-financial assistance via HPS. Individuals without children and those with a history of homelessness experienced the largest benefits.
Using a standardized, validated risk assessment tool: HPS utilizes a 10-question survey, developed in collaboration with researchers at the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities, that allows staff to quickly evaluate if potential clients are at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness. The assessment tool ensures that HPS provides services to those at highest risk of homelessness and that eligibility decisions are consistent across partner organizations.
Conduct targeted outreach: HPS conducts targeted outreach to undocumented households, health clinics, and local courts serving those at highest risk of housing instability. By conducting targeted outreach, HPS aims to ensure households at imminent risk of homelessness have access to its services.
Maintaining communication with past clients: To ensure that participants remain stably housed after HPS services end, case managers maintain contact with clients and follow up 30, 60, and 90 days after they exit the program. If the client again becomes at risk of homelessness, they are eligible to re-enroll in HPS and receive additional support services.
Creating a coordinated service delivery system: HPS in Santa Clara County (CA) is led by Destination: Home and Sacred Heart Community Service, an established social service agency. The former oversees the network and focuses on convening stakeholders and leading fundraising efforts, while the latter handles the network’s operational and administrative functions. Both Destination: Home and Sacred Heart support the work of 18 other community-based organizations that deliver HPS services.