Rapid re-housing rapidly connects families and individuals who are by HUD definition literally homeless. This means living in a place not meant for human habitation (in a car, tent, abandoned building, under a bridge or living in a temporary emergency shelter). Short-term assistance that can be provided includes the following: rent and move-in assistance; case management to ensure housing stability; utility assistance (up to 6 months of assistance and up to 6 months of arrearages).