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Center for Essential Needs

Rapid Rehousing


Rapid Rehousing (RRH) is a housing intervention that provides short-term rental assistance and supportive services to students experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The goal is to help students secure and maintain stable housing while continuing their academic journey.

RRH is designed to be a bridge to long-term housing stability, not a long-term housing program itself. Wraparound support is provided and critical for success.

Rental assistance is provided to students who have exhausted all other financial options, are unemployed, and have made significant efforts to secure employment but are still unable to pay rent. To qualify:

  • The student must meet with a case manager or the housing navigator at the Center for Essential Needs (CEN).
  • During the academic year, students may be asked to explore subsidized student loans, but this will not preclude them from receiving rental assistance.
  • Assistance is typically capped at $2,500 lifetime per student based on eligibility.
  • When appropriate, students may be referred to the Rapid Rehousing Grant.

Rental subsidies provide short-term monthly rent support for students experiencing temporary hardship.

  • The CEN can contribute toward a student’s monthly rent for up to 3 months.
  • Students must have a 2.0 CUM GPA.
  • Subsidies are considered for students facing:
    • Unexpected loss or reduction of employment hours.
    • Unanticipated or increased living expenses.
    • Unforeseen circumstances affecting their ability to pay the full amount of their rent. 

CEN provides eviction avoidance support when a student receives a 3-Day Pay or Quit Notice due to nonpayment of rent.

  • The student must provide a copy of the 3-day notice and have no other way to pay rent.
  • Case managers may request assistance from the Essential Needs Coordinator or Housing Navigator to cover past-due rent.
  • Students must have a 2.0 CUM GP​A

 

 

Accessing RRH Support

All students seeking housing assistance must complete the Center for Essential Needs Assistance Form as the first step in the process. Once submitted:

  • The student will be contacted to meet with the housing navigator and/or a case manager for an individualized housing needs assessment.
  • If Rapid Rehousing is determined to be the best fit, the student will be
    • referred for placement and service coordination with a partnering Community-Based Organization (CBO).
    • provided a RRH Grant to assist with deposit and first month.
    • Placed in one of the spaces that the Center for Essential Needs (CEN) has acquired for the purpose of Emergency Temporary Housing.
  • Before services are initiated, students must complete a pre-survey to assess and collect baseline data on the potential impact of the support provided.

This data collection process is essential to maintaining compliance with CSU Chancellor’s Office reporting requirements and securing ongoing funding. Outcomes are tracked over time to evaluate whether the services received led to improvements in housing stability and academic persistence.