Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP)

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which includes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness Prevention fund.  Funding for this program, called the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed by OACAC to individuals and famililes in Southwest Missouri.  OACAC was chosen as the sub-grantee to provide HPRP funds in eight counties including Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene Lawrence, Polk and Webster.

OACAC was awarded a total of $890,106 to be paid out over a three year period.  Funds are just beginning to be received and distributed to families struggling to meet the financial needs of staying in their homes.  The focus of the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) is twofold: it targets indivduals and families who are currently housed, but are at risk of becoming homeless as well as individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness (living in an emergency shelter or on the street) and need termporary assistance in order to obtain and retain housing.  HUD's definition of homeless to apply.  Click here for the HUD website.

Some of the help offered includes rental assistance, housing relocation and stabilization, mediation, security or utility deposits, utility payments, moving costs assistance and case management.

In addition to income eligibility, applicants must meet the following criteria; no appropriate subsequent housing options have been identified; and, the household lacks the financial resources and supports needed to obtain immediate housing or remain in existing housing.  Attendance at a life skills class is also required before assistance will be issued.  Classes include topics on budgeting, Missouri landlord/tenant laws, and energy savers.

This program is funded in whole/or part with federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division.  The funds received from the Family Support Division are all federally funded.

For more information contact your local OACAC Neighborhood Center:

Barry County        417-847-2140
Christian County   417-581-7631
Dade County        417-637-2701
Dallas County       417-345-7964
Greene County      417-447-0554
Lawrence County    417-678-5031
Polk County          417-326-6276
Webster County     417-859-4589