Communities across the country are already beginning to successfully take on the vision of Zero Returns to Homelessness through cross-systems efforts, proving that it can lead to real results in the form of concrete housing opportunities. Some useful tools these communities have employed are detailed below.

The Zero Returns to Homelessness Resource and Technical Assistance Guide is a self-service resource designed to help local partners take Zero Returns to Homelessness from vision to reality. It builds on the CSG Justice Center’s “Action Points” framework, which has been used as the foundation for reentry housing training and technical assistance funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (a component of the U.S. Department of Justice) since 2021 and is featured prominently on the HUD Exchange national technical assistance site. The Guide combines this framework with a range of actionable strategies that communities nationwide have used to implement effective reentry housing programs.
View the Publication: Zero Returns to Homelessness Resource and Technical Assistance Guide

The 2023 Zero Returns to Homelessness National Reentry Housing Symposium presentation slides are now publicly available as a resource that community leaders can use to learn more information about how they can put the Zero Returns to Homelessness vision into action. It features content from national, state, and local leaders outlining the work they are already doing to support the vision in communities across the country.
View the Publication: Zero Returns to Homelessness National Reentry Housing Symposium Presentation
How are partners putting these tools to work?
These tools were first used in Fall 2023 as our staff began working with five cross-systems, state departments of corrections-led teams during a virtual community of practice. This effort was a follow up to the national reentry housing symposium and designed to help jurisdictions pursue the Zero Returns to Homelessness vision locally. Below are some concrete ways that jurisdictions have used these tools to improve housing access.
• The South Carolina Department of Corrections, Midlands Reentry Council, and other regional partners developed a reentry housing plan focused on establishing formal agreements with new housing partners.
• The Kansas Department of Corrections developed a reentry housing plan to open more pathways to permanent housing using landlord education and incentive strategies.
• The Minnesota Department of Corrections collaborated with the Minnesota Governor’s Office to establish a statewide mandate to reduce homelessness and provide supportive housing to people exiting the justice system. The state is now also using many of the strategies discussed to advocate for new housing partnerships and the use of state funds to support this work.