Eligible families had spent at least one week in an emergency homeless shelter, had at least one child age 15 or younger, and had sufficient income to pay their share of rent or had the ability to seek employment. They received subsidized housing in agency-controlled housing units, along with intensive case management. Families paid 30 percent of their unadjusted monthly income toward housing costs.

ICM provided participants with case managers who identified barriers to entry into substance use disorder treatment, such as childcare, transportation, and housing problems, and addressed those barriers. While participants were in treatment, case managers met with them weekly and coordinated with treatment facility staff to provide other needed services. Participants received vouchers for items such as children's toys or cosmetics as an incentive to participate in treatment. Participants received case management services for 24 months.

Youth formerly in state custody (foster care or the juvenile justice system) received customized case management that included weekly meetings with a transitional living specialist who used motivational interviewing and provided trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy services as needed. Participants also received soft-skills training, supportive services, and other services to encourage independent living, education, and work.

Breaking Barriers followed the IPS model by assigning employment specialists to help participants set career goals and search for a job. Employment specialists maintained relationships with local employers, which they used to connect participants to potential job opportunities. After participants found employment, specialists provided as-needed, customized support (such as counseling or transportation assistance). This follow-along support did not have a time limit. Participants were involved in the program for an average of 10 months.