Homeless Assistance Programs
Introduction
HUD's Homeless Assistance Web Page is available to help you learn more about HUD's homeless assistance programs, and to keep you informed about available funding. HUD's homeless assistance programs are broken down into two main categories, formula (non-competitive), and competitive. Competitive programs are under the umbrella of Continuum of Care.
Homeless Definition
In accordance with the HEARTH Act, HUD has published final regulations that revise the definition of "homeless". This definition of homeless applies to projects funded under the Emergency Solutions Grants program (24 CFR part 576) and projects funded under the Continuum of Care programs – the Shelter Plus Care program (24 CFR part 582) and the Supportive Housing Program (24 CFR part 583) – funded in the FY 2011 Continuum of Care competition. The definition of homeless will apply to projects funded under the Continuum of Care program and the Rural Housing Stability Assistance program when they are implemented.
Competitive Programs
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act programs administered by HUD that award funds competitively require the development of a Continuum of Care system in the community where assistance is being sought. A continuum of care system is designed to address the critical problem of homelessness through a coordinated community-based process of identifying needs and building a system to address those needs. The approach is predicated on the understanding that homelessness is not caused merely by a lack of shelter, but involves a variety of underlying, unmet needs - physical, economic, and social. Funds are granted based on the competition following the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs include:
- Supportive Housing Program
Provides housing, including housing units and group quarters, that has a supportive environment and includes a planned service component.
- Shelter Plus Care Program
Provides grants for rental assistance for homeless persons with disabilities through four component programs: Tenant, Sponsor, Project, and Single Room Occupancy Rental Assistance.
- Single Room Occupancy Program
Provides rental assistance on behalf of homeless individuals in connection with moderate rehabilitation of SRO dwellings.
Formula grants are awarded on the basis of the Consolidated Plan that states and local jurisdictions may fill out.
- Emergency Solutions Grant Program
The Emergency Solutions Grants program (ESG) is a federal grant program designed to assist individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis of homelessness. It provides essential street outreach and emergency shelter services as well as emphasizes homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing assistance. The program requirements facilitate coordination at the state and local levels to utilize all available services, consult closely with the jurisdiction’s Continuums of Care, and evaluate progress in accordance with a comprehensive homeless strategy and annual action plan.
In accordance with the HEARTH Act, HUD has issued interim regulations for the Emergency Solutions Grant program and the Consolidated Plan.
Other
- Title V program
HUD collects and publishes information about surplus federal property that can be used to help homeless persons. Eligible grantees include states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations.
- Base Realignment and Closure
The congressionally authorized process the US Department of Defense has previously used to reorganize its base structure to more efficiently and effectively support our military forces, increase operational readiness and facilitate new ways of doing business.
If you would like to locate the HUD office closest to you, please select your Local HUD Office which will connect you with the Web Page of each Field Office. The Annual Progress Report is available now in a Word format.
