TANF Data Collaborative Pilot: Housing Transitions in New Jersey

New Jersey's pilot project investigated housing transitions for TANF participants experiencing homelessness, specifically those moving from emergency placements to Temporary Rental Assistance (TRA). The analysis aimed to understand the characteristics of families and their movement within the program, informing strategies for effective housing assistance and support. 

The New Jersey pilot project utilized longitudinal administrative data to analyze transitions from emergency shelters to Temporary Rental Assistance (TRA) for TANF participants experiencing homelessness. The project involved building statistical models to predict transition rates, considering family and county characteristics, employment history, and demographic factors. The team established a learning community involving multiple organizations to refine research questions. Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pilot team examined the uptake of EA services by families after emergency shelter placements. The project aimed to inform strategies for supporting housing transitions and addressing the housing crisis. 

Urban counties were found to have higher transition rates to TRA. Factors like shorter TANF receipt duration, younger age, lower education, and consistent work history increased transition likelihood and transition rates declined during COVID-19. The analyses Informed decision-making for DFD staff, program managers, and analysts. 

This project serves as a replicable model for staff from other agencies looking for examples of efforts that support the use of administrative data for learning and improvement. Policymakers, researchers, and organizations seeking to expand the use of data in state TANF agencies may find interest in this project.