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From Our Partners: Important Guidance, Tools, and Resources from HUD and Federal Partners
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Resources from HUD
Rapid Re-housing Models for Homeless Youth
Rapid re-housing for youth (defined as less than 25 years of age) is an evolving model that can be implemented using the Permanent Housing-Rapid Re-housing component under HUD's Continuum of Care (CoC) Program. HUD has profiled four Rapid Re-housing Models for Homeless Youth that use a variety of funding sources (HUD, HHS, private and foundation funding, etc.). Each profile highlights replicable promising practices for:
- Rapidly moving youth into permanent housing;
- Offering short- to medium-term financial assistance; and
- Providing developmentally appropriate case management and services.
This information, contributed by representatives from each profiled program, highlights what is working for these programs and furthers an important dialogue on ending youth homelessness.
Letter from HUD to PHA Executive Directors on HUD-VASH Extraordinary Administrative Fees
This Letter to Executive Directors of Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) provides further guidance on HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Extraordinary Administrative Fees (EAF) funding for fiscal year 2015. The guidance provides additional examples of eligible uses of the funds and includes a sample budget request form to simplify the process for PHAs. HUD strongly encourages PHAs to consider applying for these funds and to implement varied, innovative strategies to end homelessness amongst veterans. Eligible activities could include providing housing search and assistance, landlord engagement activities, and holding extra briefings for HUD-VASH clients.
Continuums of Care (CoCs) should urge the local PHAs within their geographic area to apply for EAF funding and identify ways that the CoC could help support activities that aim to increase HUD-VASH utilization. For more information about PHA and CoC partnerships, see Resources for CoC and PHA Collaboration to End Homelessness.
Resources from Federal Partners
Justice Department Files Brief to Address the Criminalization of Homelessness
The Department of Justice filed a statement of interest arguing that making it a crime for people who are homeless to sleep in public places, when there is insufficient shelter space in a city, unconstitutionally punishes them for being homeless. The statement of interest was filed in federal district court in Idaho in Bell v. City of Boise et al., a case brought by homeless plaintiffs who were convicted under Boise ordinances that criminalize sleeping or camping in public.
USICH Releases Ending Homelessness for People Living in Encampments, Advancing the Dialogue
The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) recently released Ending Homelessness for People Living in Encampments, Advancing the Dialogue. This document summarizes discussions held across the country with advocates, housing and services providers, and government officials regarding what they've learned, and are still learning, about the most effective approaches and strategies to working with people in encampments.
CMS Releases New Informational Bulletin on Coverage of Housing-Related Activities and Services for Individuals with Disabilities
In June, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an Informational Bulletin intended to assist states in designing Medicaid benefits, and to clarify the circumstances under which Medicaid reimburses for certain housing-related activities, with the goal of promoting community integration for individuals with disabilities, older adults needing long term services and supports, and those experiencing chronic homelessness. Consistent with statute, CMS does not provide financial support for room and board in home and community based services, but can assist states with coverage of certain housing-related activities and services.
USICH and Partners Release Key Strategies for Connecting People Experiencing Homelessness to SSI/SSDI Benefits
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) and its partners at the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are pleased to release Key Strategies for Connecting People Experiencing Homelessness to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits. This document is intended to improve practices and collaboration among SSA field offices, VA Medical Center staff, organizations, and agencies that provide services to people experiencing homelessness, and other community-based partners. The strategies focus on assisting individuals experiencing homelessness with the initial disability application and medical determination process.
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