Transition housing is a residency program, which includes support services provided following a crisis or homelessness. It is designed as a bridge to permanent and self-sufficiency housing. Occupants usually remain in duration of six months to two years, but are required to set goals to put more effort towards a stable economy. However, boundaries differentiating the steps in transitional housing are sometimes unclear. For example, emergency shelter is given on a short-term condition that is, not more than three months, aimed at assisting residents who search housing and contacting referrals to other services. Permanent housing allows for an indefinite stay but does not require participation in social services even when availed to the residents. Due to these restrictions, residents may choose regular relocation as opposed to remaining in an indefinite place.
A research show that several territories and provinces have been impacted either directly or indirectly by provincial and federal legislative policies. Transition houses increases in minimum wage levels and service provision. However, this kind of legislation presents financial challenges. Transition houses comply with federal wage increase without fund increase. Policy making on a municipal and provincial level is also a concern in transition housing. Such governmental ideologies like policies in fire codes and necessity for building upgrades financially impact transition houses, yet most of them are in a fived budget.
Diversified funding is an important component for long-term sustenance for transitional housing programs. In addition to attaining stability by accessing a variety of sources, these programs require different funding sources in order to support various types of costs, inclusive of capital, operation, and program necessities and services.