The COVID pandemic led to historic investments in emergency shelter. Through our HUD technical assistance contract, TAC helped some of the largest cities in the country to quickly develop new shelter models that would reduce the risk of illness or death for guests. Now that one-time federal investments have wound down, TAC works with communities to build on lessons learned in developing new models — using this knowledge to improve engagement and exit rates in existing shelters. With our assistance, communities have generated shelter needs assessments to outline necessary improvements; developed clear pathways out of shelter for guests; and conducted reviews to ensure that shelter policies are conducive to supporting guests’ next steps to move on from shelter.