Supporting Families Experiencing Homelessness: Strategies and Approaches for TANF Agencies

In 2013, the Office of Family Assistance released Information Memorandum (TANF-ACF-IM-2013-01) “Use of TANF Funds to Serve Homeless Families and Families at Risk of Experiencing Homelessness” in recognition of the integral role TANF can play in family stability. That memorandum highlights the important role TANF can play in helping families experiencing homelessness, offers approaches for using TANF funding, and provides examples of existing state initiatives. To better understand how states and localities are currently using TANF funds to support families experiencing homelessness, the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) funded a study. This brief summarizes different approaches that TANF agencies can pursue to provide housing and other related assistance.