Addressing homelessness remains one of the most pressing issues facing our nation and region today. Early prevention strategies such as short-term rental (SRA) assistance programs, accessible via call centers, are highly effective at preventing homelessness for families facing housing instability or eviction. However, strict eligibility criteria and the administrative burden of applying often making it difficult for those in need to be able to use this critical resource.  

The Chicago Homelessness Prevention Call Center (HPCC) allows residents to call 3-1-1 to request financial assistance for rent and utility bills. Annually, the HPCC screens an estimated 28,000 calls for eligibility and refers a subset of callers to an SRA program. Eligible callers are then contacted by delegate agencies that conduct additional screening and help complete the application process.  

In partnership with the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, All Chicago Making Homelessness History, the City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), and Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH), the Inclusive Economy Lab evaluated the impact of receiving a referral for help applying for rental assistance through the HPCC. This research also examines how outcomes differ for clients who do and do not end up receiving rental assistance once referred.