The document discusses Lancaster County, Pennsylvania's transition from a system that shelters and manages homelessness to a "housing first" approach focused on prevention, diversion, and rapid rehousing. It outlines Lancaster's journey, which included establishing benchmarks and shortening the length of stay in transitional housing programs. The document provides guidance on strategically planning a transition, including evaluating current programs, creating a new vision, and redefining staff and client roles to focus on immediately connecting people to permanent housing and support services. Lancaster's experience shows positive outcomes from adopting a rapid rehousing model.