Housing Stability Services: 10 Powerful Ways to Achieve Success

Finding Stability in Uncertain Times

Housing stability services are comprehensive support programs designed to help individuals and families maintain their housing and prevent homelessness. These services address immediate housing crises while building long-term stability.

What Are Housing Stability Services?

• Eviction Prevention: Financial assistance for rent and utility arrears
• Housing Counseling: Budgeting, credit repair, and homeownership guidance
• Legal Aid: Representation in eviction proceedings and tenant rights education
• Case Management: Personalized support plans and resource coordination
• Mediation: Conflict resolution between tenants and landlords
• Wrap-Around Services: Connections to healthcare, employment, and other support systems

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased the need for these services, with Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs providing over $46 billion to support housing stability nationwide, helping prevent millions of evictions through more than 10 million assistance payments.

Housing instability doesn’t just threaten a roof over your head—it impacts every aspect of life, from physical and mental health to employment and education outcomes. When the foundation of stable housing crumbles, everything built upon it becomes precarious.

As Greg Parler, a housing advocate, powerfully states: “If somebody tells you housing is not the foundation, they are lying…”

I’m Beth Southorn, Executive Director of LifeSTEPS, where I’ve spent over three decades developing and implementing housing stability services that have helped maintain a 98.3% housing retention rate for vulnerable populations across California. My experience working with diverse communities facing housing insecurity has shown me that effective housing stability services must address both immediate crises and underlying challenges.

Housing stability services vocab to learn:
– community housing assistance
– eviction prevention services
– low-income homeownership programs

Understanding Housing Stability Services

Housing stability services are so much more than just keeping a roof over someone’s head. They’re a lifeline that addresses all the complex pieces of the housing puzzle—from financial struggles and legal challenges to health issues and the deep-rooted inequities that affect who gets to feel secure in their home.

Here at LifeSTEPS, we see housing stability services as a connected web of support that not only catches people when they’re falling but helps them build strength for the future. We’re not just putting out fires—we’re helping families build foundations that last.

The pandemic taught us something powerful: when we coordinate our efforts and properly fund housing programs, we can prevent widespread displacement even during the worst economic storms. The data backs this up. Emergency rental assistance during COVID reached those who needed it most—primarily low-income renters and communities of color who have historically faced the steepest barriers to housing security.

Why Housing Stability Services Exist

The truth is simple: America has an affordable housing gap that’s widening by the day. Millions of our neighbors spend over half their income just to keep a roof overhead, leaving them dangerously close to losing everything when even a minor emergency strikes.

We’ve learned that keeping someone in their home costs far less than helping them after they’ve lost it. The math is clear, but the human impact is even clearer. Stable housing improves nearly everything else in life—physical health, mental wellbeing, even how children perform in school.

For communities of color, the challenges can be even steeper. Black and Hispanic households face higher rates of eviction and mortgage troubles, reflecting deep inequities that require thoughtful, targeted solutions.

As Michael Blecker from Swords to Plowshares so powerfully observed: “COVID opened a lot of wounds… Seniors, veterans and unhoused folks with no family support were hit the hardest.” His words remind us why these services aren’t just nice to have—they’re absolutely essential for our most vulnerable neighbors.

How Housing Stability Services Work

When housing stability services work well, they feel like a helping hand exactly when you need it most. The journey typically begins when a household connects through a community organization, court program, 211 hotline, or direct outreach.

From there, trained staff take time to understand both the immediate crisis and what’s happening beneath the surface. This careful assessment helps match each family with the right combination of services for their unique situation.

A dedicated case manager becomes your guide through the process, helping coordinate services and track progress. Many programs also work directly with landlords—building bridges that can prevent eviction before court papers are ever filed.

What makes these programs truly powerful is collaboration. At LifeSTEPS, we don’t try to do it all alone. We partner with property managers, legal aid organizations, healthcare providers, job training programs, and countless other community resources to create a safety net that actually catches people.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Housing Stability Supports

Short-Term Supports	Long-Term Supports
Emergency rental assistance	Affordable housing placement
Utility payment assistance	Housing vouchers
Eviction defense	Financial literacy education
Crisis mediation	Career development
Security deposit help	Healthcare connections
Moving cost assistance	Permanent supportive housing

The most effective housing stability services recognize that housing challenges rarely travel alone. They’re usually connected to employment struggles, education barriers, health concerns, and deeper community factors. By addressing the whole picture—not just the immediate crisis—we help families build resilience that lasts.

Key Types of Housing Stability Services You Can Access

When life throws you a curveball, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference. Let’s explore the range of housing stability services that might be just what you need during challenging times.

Eviction Prevention & Financial Assistance

Money troubles can quickly snowball into housing insecurity. That’s where emergency financial assistance programs step in as your first line of defense.

Think of rental assistance as a safety net that catches you before you fall. These programs can cover your current rent or past-due payments, giving you breathing room to get back on your feet. Similarly, utility payment assistance ensures your lights stay on and water keeps flowing during tough times.

Sometimes a fresh start is what you need. Security deposit assistance and moving cost coverage can help you transition to more stable housing without breaking the bank.

The Treasury Department’s Emergency Rental Assistance programs (ERA1 and ERA2) have been game-changers since the pandemic began, providing over $46 billion nationwide. These programs have been particularly effective for low-income families and communities of color, preventing countless evictions when they were needed most.

At LifeSTEPS, we’re proud that our eviction prevention program maintains a 93% success rate in helping residents weather financial storms without losing their homes. This powerful statistic shows how effective timely intervention can be—often just a month or two of support is enough to restore stability.

Housing Counseling & Credit Repair

Sometimes, what you need most is guidance. Housing counseling services help you build the financial foundation for long-term stability, not just temporary relief.

HUD-approved counselors can help you create a sustainable household budget that actually works for your life. They’ll walk you through credit repair strategies that can open doors to better housing options down the road. If you’re a homeowner facing possible foreclosure, they’ll explain your options in plain language.

The American Rescue Plan recognized the importance of these services by directing $100 million to NeighborWorks America specifically for housing counseling during pandemic recovery.

What makes housing counseling so valuable is that it addresses root causes rather than just symptoms. Imagine the difference a higher credit score could make—lower security deposits, better rental options, and maybe even a path to homeownership that once seemed impossible.

Legal Aid & Mediation Services

Legal challenges and housing troubles often go hand-in-hand. Having someone in your corner who understands tenant rights can be invaluable during uncertain times.

Legal aid services offer eviction defense when you’re facing court proceedings, while tenant rights education helps you understand protections you might not even know you have. Sometimes, landlord-tenant mediation can resolve conflicts before they escalate to court, saving everyone time, money, and stress.

Research consistently shows that tenants with legal representation are significantly more likely to keep their homes than those without help. Programs like Stay Housed LA have proven the power of combining legal representation with mediation and financial assistance for a comprehensive approach.

In Texas, partnerships with the Texas Access to Justice Foundation have created pathways for vulnerable households to steer complex legal systems during housing crises—often making the difference between stability and homelessness.

Wrap-Around & Permanent Supportive Housing

For households facing complex challenges, housing stability services that provide comprehensive, long-term support can be life-changing.

Case management serves as your personal guide through various systems and services, ensuring you don’t fall through the cracks. Healthcare connections link you with physical and mental health services that support overall wellbeing. Employment support and life skills development build the foundation for long-term independence.

Permanent supportive housing combines affordable housing with integrated services—an approach that works wonders for seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with chronic health conditions. Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program, for example, provides up to $3,000 annually for moving expenses for qualifying individuals with disabilities or seniors, along with ongoing support.

Veterans facing housing instability can find help through programs like HUD-VASH, which pairs housing vouchers with comprehensive case management. Organizations like Swords to Plowshares successfully place nearly 1,000 veterans in permanent housing each year, with the majority being seniors or individuals with disabilities.

At LifeSTEPS, our award-winning RN program demonstrates the powerful connection between housing and health—reducing hospitalizations and saving $1.1 million annually per site by bringing healthcare directly to where people live.

To learn more about these life-changing supports, visit our pages on eviction prevention services, finding stability through permanent supportive housing, or explore Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services for examples of comprehensive approaches.

Eligibility, Access, and Funding Landscape for Housing Stability Services

Finding your way through the maze of housing stability services can feel overwhelming when you’re already dealing with housing stress. Let’s break down who qualifies, how to apply, and where the funding comes from so you can access the help you need with less confusion.

Who Qualifies for Housing Stability Services

Most housing stability services look at your income first. Programs typically serve households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) in your community. Some programs offer more flexibility – like LA County’s Mortgage Relief Program, which helps one-unit homeowners at 80% AMI but extends to 150% AMI for folks who own 2-4 unit properties.

Beyond income, many programs prioritize people in urgent situations – those facing eviction, already experiencing homelessness, or living in unstable housing arrangements. Your personal circumstances matter too. Seniors, who represent the fastest-growing homeless population, often receive special consideration. The same goes for people with disabilities, veterans (a staggering 77% of senior veterans live in poverty), families with children, and communities that have historically faced housing discrimination.

Some forward-thinking communities are now using data in clever ways to prevent homelessness before it happens. By analyzing patterns in public health and social service usage, they can identify who might be at highest risk and reach out with support before a crisis hits – like putting up an umbrella before the storm rather than after you’re already soaked.

How to Apply in Your Community

Getting connected to housing stability services usually starts with reaching out. Most communities offer several ways to begin the process – calling 211 for local referrals is often the simplest first step. You can also contact your local housing authority, community action agency, or nonprofits like LifeSTEPS directly. If you’re already facing eviction, many courthouses now have help centers right on site.

Once you make that initial contact, a staff member will sit down with you to understand your situation and match you with appropriate programs. Be prepared to share some paperwork – typically proof of income, ID, your lease or mortgage statement, utility bills, and documentation of what’s causing your housing hardship (like medical bills or job loss paperwork).

Many communities have simplified the application process with online portals. North Dakota’s Housing Stabilization Portal, for example, allows you to apply for assistance and track your application status all in one place. Most importantly, you’ll usually be assigned someone to guide you through the process and help you steer any bumps along the way.

At LifeSTEPS, we believe strongly in a “no wrong door” approach. Even if you don’t qualify for our specific programs, we’ll make sure you leave with appropriate referrals to other community resources that can help. Nobody should walk away empty-handed when seeking housing help.

Where the Money Comes From & What’s Next

Understanding how housing stability services are funded helps explain why programs sometimes change or have different requirements. The massive Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs – which provided over $46 billion nationwide – represent the largest investment in preventing evictions in U.S. history. ERA1 funds expired in September 2022, while ERA2 funds remain available until September 2025.

The American Rescue Plan brought additional resources, including $100 million specifically for housing counseling. Some states have gotten creative by tapping into Medicaid funding to provide housing support services for eligible seniors and people with disabilities. Many local governments supplement these federal dollars with their own programs, while private foundations often fund innovative approaches that government programs might not cover.

We’re entering a challenging transition period as pandemic-era programs wind down. North Dakota’s Housing Stabilization program, for instance, recently announced it will begin scaling back re-housing services as federal funding expires, setting a March 14, 2025 deadline for new applications.

The most resilient communities are responding by “braiding” funding – weaving together resources from housing, healthcare, employment, and social services to create sustainable support systems. This approach recognizes that housing stability isn’t just about housing – it’s connected to every aspect of a person’s wellbeing and requires coordinated solutions.

Impact & Success Stories: Measuring What Works

Behind the numbers and statistics of housing stability services are real people finding their footing again. The impact of these programs isn’t just theoretical—it’s changing lives in measurable, meaningful ways across the country.

When we look at the data, the story becomes clear: comprehensive housing stability services create ripple effects that strengthen entire communities. Research consistently shows these programs lead to fewer evictions, reduced homelessness, healthier families, better educational outcomes for children, and increased economic stability for vulnerable households.

At LifeSTEPS, we’re particularly proud of our 93% housing retention rate through our targeted rental assistance and supportive services. This isn’t just a number—it represents thousands of families who maintained stable housing during challenging times, avoiding the trauma and disruption of displacement.

But perhaps more importantly, these services save communities money in the long run by preventing costly emergency interventions. Every dollar invested in prevention saves multiple dollars that would otherwise be spent on emergency shelters, hospital visits, and other crisis responses.

Outcomes for Target Populations

The impact of housing stability services is especially powerful for vulnerable groups who face unique housing challenges.

For seniors and people with disabilities, programs like Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services offer critical support, providing up to $3,000 annually for moving expenses plus ongoing services that help them remain safely in their homes. This kind of targeted assistance addresses the specific barriers these populations face.

Our award-winning RN program at LifeSTEPS demonstrates the power of integrating healthcare with housing support. By helping seniors age in place safely, we’ve reduced hospitalizations and saved an impressive $1.1 million annually per site. These aren’t just cost savings—they represent older adults maintaining dignity, independence, and quality of life in their own homes.

Veterans face unique housing challenges, often complicated by service-related disabilities and trauma. Organizations like Swords to Plowshares are making tremendous strides, placing nearly 1,000 veterans in permanent housing each year. The HUD-VASH program pairs housing vouchers with VA supportive services, creating a comprehensive approach that addresses both the housing and health needs of veterans. Some innovative programs have even incorporated equine and canine therapy, showing promising results for veterans’ mental health and housing stability.

For low-income renters and BIPOC households who have historically faced housing discrimination, Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance programs have been transformative. With over 10 million assistance payments made to renters facing eviction, these programs have particularly benefited communities of color, helping address long-standing housing inequities.

Lessons Learned During COVID-19

If there’s a silver lining to the pandemic’s housing crisis, it’s the valuable lessons we’ve learned about delivering effective housing stability services under extreme pressure.

First, we finded that rapid deployment makes a difference. Communities that quickly distributed emergency rental assistance prevented widespread evictions despite severe economic disruption. When people are on the edge of losing their homes, every day counts.

We also learned that simplicity increases access. Programs that reduced paperwork requirements and streamlined applications reached more vulnerable households—particularly those with limited internet access, language barriers, or disabilities.

The pandemic forced us to accept virtual services, which unexpectedly expanded our reach. Remote housing counseling, legal aid, and case management proved not just effective but sometimes more accessible than traditional in-person services, especially for people with transportation challenges or work schedules that made office visits difficult.

Perhaps most importantly, COVID-19 underscored that cross-sector collaboration is essential. The most successful programs integrated housing supports with healthcare, employment, education, and other services. When housing organizations partnered with public health departments, schools, and healthcare providers, they created more comprehensive safety nets for vulnerable households.

Finally, data-driven approaches improved targeting. Using data to identify at-risk households allowed for more proactive intervention before families reached crisis point.

As we transition from emergency response to building sustainable systems, these lessons continue to inform best practices in housing stability services. The innovations born from crisis are now shaping a more responsive, accessible approach to housing stability that will serve communities long after the pandemic.

For more insights on how these lessons were applied during the height of the crisis, see our article on Preventing Homelessness During COVID-19.

Navigating the Future of Housing Stability Services

As pandemic-era funding winds down, the landscape of housing stability services is evolving in important ways. Communities across the country are adapting to new realities while building on what we’ve learned works best.

The future of housing stability services isn’t just about reacting to crises—it’s about creating sustainable systems that prevent housing instability before it starts. At LifeSTEPS, we’re seeing several key trends shaping this evolution.

First, communities are getting creative with funding as emergency programs expire. This means bringing together resources from different sectors and building strong public-private partnerships. We’re also witnessing growing recognition from healthcare systems that stable housing leads to better health outcomes, resulting in more medical dollars flowing toward housing support.

Technology is changing service delivery too. Digital platforms now help coordinate services, process applications, and track outcomes more efficiently than ever before. Meanwhile, there’s a heightened focus on addressing racial disparities in housing access, with programs explicitly designed to reach historically underserved communities.

Perhaps most encouraging is the shift toward prevention. Using data to identify who needs help before they reach crisis has proven far more cost-effective than emergency responses. As Beth Southorn, our Executive Director at LifeSTEPS, often says: “The most affordable eviction is the one we prevent.”

Emerging Best Practices in Housing Stability Services

The most promising approaches to housing stability services put people at the center while maximizing efficiency and impact.

One-stop service hubs have emerged as game-changers in many communities. Instead of sending vulnerable households to multiple locations for different services, these integrated centers bring everything together under one roof. When someone can meet with a housing counselor, apply for rental assistance, and connect with legal aid all in one visit, they’re much more likely to get the comprehensive help they need.

The connection between health and housing continues to strengthen through innovative health-housing partnerships. When healthcare systems invest in housing stability, everyone benefits. We’ve seen this through our award-winning RN program, which not only helps seniors age in place safely but also reduces hospitalizations and saves $1.1 million annually per site.

Another powerful trend is the rise of peer support models. There’s something uniquely effective about guidance from someone who’s walked in your shoes. Programs employing people with lived experience of housing instability often build trust more quickly and provide practical advice that resonates deeply with clients.

Working directly with property owners through landlord engagement strategies has proven crucial as well. By offering incentives, mediation services, and risk mitigation funds, programs can preserve existing tenancies and open doors to new housing opportunities. This approach recognizes landlords as essential partners in housing stability, not adversaries.

Finally, we’re seeing a welcome shift toward outcome-focused funding models. When programs are evaluated based on their results rather than just their activities, it encourages innovation and effectiveness. This approach asks the essential question: Are people actually achieving housing stability, not just receiving services?

How to Get Help Right Now

If you’re facing housing instability today, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Taking action early gives you more options and better outcomes.

Your first step should be calling 211, a nationwide service that connects you to local housing stability services. This simple call can open doors to a wide range of supports custom to your specific situation.

For guidance on navigating housing challenges, contact HUD-approved housing counselors at 1-800-569-4287. These professionals provide free or low-cost counseling on everything from budgeting to foreclosure prevention.

If you’re dealing with legal issues like eviction notices or landlord disputes, reach out to legal aid. Visit LawHelp.org to find free legal assistance in your area. Having an advocate by your side can make a tremendous difference in housing court proceedings.

For those in California, particularly in the Sacramento area, LifeSTEPS can help you steer available resources. Visit our website for more information about community housing support or call our office directly.

To streamline the assistance process, gather important documents in advance: pay stubs, your lease or mortgage paperwork, utility bills, and any notices you’ve received. Having these ready will speed up the application process for most programs.

Housing stability services work best when accessed before an eviction filing or foreclosure process begins. As one of our case managers often tells clients, “The time to reach out isn’t when you’re packing your belongings—it’s when you first worry about making rent.”

Frequently Asked Questions about Housing Stability Services

What documents do I need when applying for housing stability services?

Paperwork can feel overwhelming when you’re already dealing with housing stress, but having the right documents ready can speed up your application for housing stability services.

Most programs will ask for some basics: a photo ID, recent pay stubs or benefit letters to verify your income, and your current lease or mortgage statement. You’ll also typically need copies of utility bills and, if you’re facing eviction, any notices you’ve received from your landlord or the court.

If your housing crisis stems from a specific hardship like medical bills or job loss, documentation of these circumstances can strengthen your application. Don’t worry if you’re missing something—many programs can work with what you have.

The good news? During the pandemic, many agencies simplified their requirements, with some continuing to accept self-attestation for certain criteria. Always check directly with the program you’re applying to for their specific requirements—a quick phone call can save you time gathering unnecessary paperwork.

Can I receive help if I’m already in eviction court?

Yes, absolutely. It’s never too late to seek help, even if you’ve already received court papers. In fact, many housing stability services are specifically designed to intervene at this critical stage.

Court-based programs like Stay Housed LA offer same-day legal representation when you show up for your hearing. These advocates can often negotiate payment plans, identify legal defenses you might not be aware of, or connect you with emergency rental assistance on the spot.

Time matters, though. The moment you receive any kind of eviction notice, reach out for help immediately. In many places, rental assistance programs require landlords to pause eviction proceedings before payments can be issued, so quick action gives you the best chance of staying housed.

Judges often look favorably on tenants who are actively seeking assistance and working toward resolution. Your demonstrated effort to address the situation can make a real difference in the outcome.

Do services cover utilities and moving costs as well as rent?

Housing stability services typically cover much more than just rent. Many programs take a comprehensive approach to keeping you housed or helping you relocate safely if necessary.

Utility assistance is commonly available for essential services like electricity, gas, water, and even internet (which has increasingly been recognized as a necessity). If you’ve fallen behind on these bills, mention this when applying for help.

For those who need to move, many programs can assist with security deposits, application fees, moving trucks, and even storage costs. Some even cover temporary hotel stays during transitions or essential furniture to make your new place livable.

The Emergency Rental Assistance programs (ERA1 and ERA2) have been particularly flexible, covering not just current and back rent but also utilities, home energy costs, and other housing-related expenses.

For seniors and people with disabilities, Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services program offers up to $3,000 annually specifically for moving expenses—recognizing that relocation can be particularly challenging for these populations.

Coverage varies significantly based on your location and the funding sources available in your community. At LifeSTEPS, we recommend asking specifically about what expenses might be covered when you first reach out for assistance—you might be surprised by the comprehensive support available.

Conclusion

The journey through housing stability services reveals how much this field has transformed, especially following the seismic shifts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. What stands clear now is that effective housing support extends far beyond simply providing financial assistance—it requires a holistic approach that addresses the many interconnected factors that contribute to housing insecurity.

At LifeSTEPS, we’ve seen how our whole-person approach creates lasting change. When families receive coordinated support across multiple areas of life—housing, finances, education, health, and social connections—they don’t just maintain their housing; they build the foundation for genuine self-sufficiency and wellbeing.

As emergency pandemic funding winds down, the future of housing stability services will depend on continued innovation and adaptation. Communities that invest in prevention rather than crisis response, that foster strong cross-sector partnerships, and that accept data-driven decision-making will be best equipped to protect their most vulnerable residents from housing instability.

If you’re currently facing housing challenges, please know that help is available. The earlier you connect with housing stability services in your community, the more options you’ll have to resolve your situation. And for those in positions to support these crucial services—whether through advocacy, volunteering, or financial contribution—your involvement strengthens the safety net that benefits everyone in your community.

Housing stability services create much more than secure housing—they provide the essential foundation upon which individuals and families can build healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. When we work together to strengthen these services, we create resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of income or background.

The measurable outcomes we’ve achieved at LifeSTEPS—our 93% housing retention rate, the $1.1 million in annual healthcare savings through our RN program, and the transformative impact of our education initiatives—demonstrate that comprehensive housing stability services don’t just change housing situations; they change lives.

For more information about eviction prevention and other housing stability programs offered by LifeSTEPS, please visit our eviction prevention program page.