Developing an Implementation Typology of Moving On Initiatives

Abstract

Permanent supportive housing (PSH) programs are now using Moving On initiatives (MOIs) to increase the homeless service system capacity. These initiatives support tenants with the transition from PSH to mainstream affordable housing by providing them with mainstream housing assistance and various transitional services. Research on this approach has primarily consisted of evaluations of individual programs. Less is known about MOI implementation features across programs. This study utilizes a document review and descriptive survey of 27 MOIs to describe MOI implementation variation and identify common strategies for helping people to move on from PSH. Findings suggest that a wide degree of variation exists in these approaches between and within MOI programs. Two primary types of move on strategies were identified: “Moving Up and Out” and “Transitioning in Place.” Implications for the homeless service system are discussed.