The HWVP provided case management services and mental health RT to women veterans who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The study authors defined RT as “a program that houses clients in a central location and provides clinical and social services to the clients while they are resident[s].” The program was implemented in eleven Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers across the United States. The specific clinical and rehabilitation services varied by center, though all provided stable, safe housing and support from professional staff.

This program was part of a four-year demonstration project and provided immediate housing placement to adults who were experiencing homelessness, had a mental illness, and were assessed as having high needs. Participants received rent subsidies and contributed no more than 30 percent of their income toward housing. They also received support from multidisciplinary ACT teams, which included a psychiatrist, nurse, and peer specialist, among others. Participants met with a member of the ACT team at least once per week, and the team provided round-the-clock crisis coverage.