Resources

In addition to grant programs and research relevant to homelessness, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also funds several resource centers and activities that provide valuable information for consumers, providers, and policymakers.  Several HHS Operating Divisions also have web pages with agency-specific information related to homelessness.

• Resources for Policymakers and Providers
• Resources for Persons Experiencing Homelessness
• HHS Operating Division Resources

Resources for Policymakers and Providers:

• Inventory of Federal Programs That May Assist Homeless Families with Children (PDF - 764 KB)
  This inventory catalogues Federal programs that may assist homeless families with children.  The inventory was developed by the Senior Policy Group of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness to provide a current picture of existing federal initiatives, help identify gaps or overlaps in services that may exist across programs, and offer new avenues for program collaboration.  Seventy-three programs operated by eleven federal agencies are highlighted in the inventory.
• Homeless Policy Academies
  Between 2001 and 2007, HHS, in partnership with HUD, VA, DOL, ED, and the USICH supported a series of nine Homeless Policy Academies.  The Homeless Policy Academies were designed to help State and local policymakers improve access to mainstream services for people who are homeless.
• FirstStep
  FirstStep is an interactive tool developed for case managers and outreach workers to help assist their clients who are homeless access Federal benefit programs.

Resources for Persons Experiencing Homelessness: 

• Homelessness Resource Center
  Funded by the Center for Mental Health Services, the Homeless Resource Center (HRC) web site includes a full range of resources, such as a searchable knowledge database, special event announcements, Web casts, news, programs, and promising practices.  The HRC site addresses critical topics in the homeless field from the perspectives of researchers, service providers, consumers, advocates, and policymakers.
• National Runaway Switchboard
  The mission at the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) is to help keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.  NRS operates an anonymous, confidential and free 24-hour crisis line staffed with experienced front-line team members.  
• Locate a Runaway and Homeless Youth Program
  Locate the nearest Basic Center Program, Transitional Housing Program, or Street Outreach Program for runaway or homeless youth.
• Locate a Health Center
  Locate the nearest Community Health Center, including Health Care for the Homeless Programs.

HHS Operating Division Resources:

• Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, has established a clear vision for its work—a life in the community for everyone. To realize this vision, the Agency has sharply focused its mission on building resilience and facilitating recovery for people with or at risk for mental or substance use disorders.
• Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging
  The Administration on Aging, an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, is one of the nation's largest providers of home- and community-based care for older persons and their caregivers. Their mission is to develop a comprehensive, coordinated and cost-effective system of long-term care that helps elderly individuals to maintain their dignity in their homes and communities, as well as to help society prepare for an aging population.
• Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, has as its mission to ensure effective, up-to-date health care coverage and to promote quality care for beneficiaries.
• Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration
  The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable.  HRSA manages the Health Center Program, which funds a national network of more than 4,000 clinics comprised of community health centers, migrant health centers, health care for the homeless centers, and public housing primary care centers.  Health centers for the homeless focus on delivering preventive and primary health care to people who are homeless, but homeless people may seek free or low-cost care at any health center site.