Administrator
Martha N. Johnson
General Services Administration

News of the Interagency Council on Homelessness - 2005

IN WASHINGTON: BUSH ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES $1.33 BILLION IN GRANTS TO HOUSE AND SERVE THOUSANDS OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

December 20, 2005. A record number of nearly 5,000 local programs that house and assist persons experiencing homelessness - from emergency shelters and transitional programs to permanent supportive housing programs - were awarded $1.33 billion in funding in an announcement made by United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary and United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Chair Alphonso Jackson. The awards exceeded the 4,400 programs covered in last year's announcement. 1,318 of the project awards announced target individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, reflecting an increase over last year's funding of 1,089 such programs. Total funding to these projects exceeds $379 million, a commitment that directly supports the national goal of ending chronic homelessness. In total, HUD funding is expected to provide critically needed assistance to approximately 172,000 persons and families living without a home of their own.

"Today, we take another step along the road toward ending chronic homelessness on our streets," said Secretary Jackson. "This funding will help provide homes and vital services to those who need them most - persons and families who deserve a place they can call home." Secretary Jackson is pictured here at center at the full Council Meeting in September with Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary and former Council Chair R. James Nicholson at left and Council Executive Director Philip Mangano at right.

In the past five years, HUD has awarded $6 billion in funding to state and local communities to support the housing and service needs of homeless persons and families. HUD's funding is provided through Continuum of Care programs supporting permanent housing, transitional programs, and services including job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care. In addition, Emergency Shelter Grants provide funds for homeless shelters, assist in the operation of local shelters and fund related social service and homeless prevention programs.

Combined, HUD's programs will provide critically needed funding to nearly 5,000 local programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Nearly $600 million is being awarded to projects that provide permanent housing solutions for homeless persons. More than 3,000 local projects that serve mothers and their children will receive $739 million. 658 programs that primarily serve victims of domestic violence will receive nearly $125 million. $53.6 million is being awarded to 226 projects that primarily target homeless veterans among those they serve. Nearly 1,600 of the projects funded are dedicated to providing housing and support services to severely mentally ill clients. These persons are at high risk of experiencing long-term or chronic homelessness. Nearly $419 million will support 1,604 local programs that primarily help homeless individuals with substance abuse problems. $206 million will support faith-based organizations to house and serve homeless persons and families.

"Today once again HUD is demonstrating a deepened investment in the lives of homeless families and victims of domestic violence," said Council Director Mangano, "and investing in the continuation of the national initiative to end chronic homelessness."

IN THE CITIES: NATIONAL PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT LAUNCHED ACROSS THE COUNTRY

December 8, 2005. From San Juan to Los Angeles, from Nashua to Miami, and Norfolk to Denver, volunteers partnered today in the inaugural National Project Homeless Connect Day sponsored by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to engage thousands of persons experiencing homelessness in more than twenty of the nation's cities. Thousands of volunteers from nonprofits, corporations, federal, state, and local government agencies, faith-based organizations, and homeless service programs joined to offer services and housing to end the homelessness of their neighbors, often in centralized one-stop centers set up for the day. This issue of the e-news provides early reports on results in participating cities.

In Los Angeles, where a first-time census this year showed the largest homeless population in the country, Council Director Philip Mangano, joining Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (pictured here third from left) for the region's event, which included Hollywood and West Hollywood at the Hollygrove Children and Family Services Center, told the partners, "Project Homeless Connect is one of those innovative strategies that adds to our ability to accomplish the mission. In creating a one-stop, in bringing together the resources that will jointly end homelessness - especially housing, services, treatment, and jobs - we're assembling the solutions. Homelessness is yielding to these."

At the welcome ceremonies People Assisting the Homeless CEO Joel John Roberts and Honorary Hollywood Mayor Johnny Grant (at right, seated) welcomed volunteers and speakers, includng Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Member Zev Yaroslavsky (fourth from left), West Hollywood Mayor Abbe Land (far left), Los Angeles Council Member Tom LaBonge (second from left), and Hollygrove CEO Judith Nelson.

Over 235 individuals were engaged in the local event, where over 100 volunteers were on-site, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 45 individuals took part in court proceedings to have offenses cleared from their records.

Council Regional Coordinators John O'Brien, Carleton Lewis, Michael German, Daryl Hernandez, and Eduardo Cabrera, as well as Council staff, contributed these reports.

PROJECT CONNECT NATIONAL DAY LINKS HOMELESS NEIGHBORS TO SERVICES AND HOUSING

At Miami Cares Day Mayor Manny Diaz (pictured here at right), joined by City of Miami Commission Chairman Joe Sanchez, presented a Proclamation for Miami Cares Day to Council Regional Coordinator Michael German (center). 540 volunteers engaged over 600 homeless individuals including moving 80 people to permanent housing and assisting 150 with Food Stamp and SSI applications. In Philadelphia, over 125 volunteers gathered in the same Municipal Building Concourse site where 100 homeless people had slept the previous night to deliver 25 different services as more than 300 homeless persons arrived during the first 90 minutes of the engagement event. Continuous transportation was available to assist people in using services, and real- time HMIS registration was used to track services and issue ID's.

SSA was among the partners present for San Jose's very successful event at the San Jose Convention Center, where both the number of persons engaged and the number of volunteers were more than double what was expected. More than 700 homeless persons were engaged by the more than 230 volunteers who participated in the day's events. The Social Security Administraition was among the participating agencies.

Norfolk, Virginia, engaged over 300 persons with the help of over 250 volunteers who provided medical, legal, and employment services, as well as benefits assistance, while, in St. Louis, a local recreation center hosted Project Connect, and over 150 volunteers assisted more than 135 individuals, including 12 who left the streets for residential placements by day's end.

In San Francisco, where the Project Homeless Connect model originated, 1500 homeless persons and 1500 vounteers made the connection that has established this technology as a successful innovation. Federal partners included the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Labor, Veterans Affairs, and the Social Security Administration. In San Diego, over 300 persons were engaged in services early in the day, with more than 20 placed in residential programs. Both the U.S. Department of Housing and the Social Security Administration (SSA) took part.

IN THE CITIES: NATIONAL PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT DAY PRODUCES IN CITIES SMALL AND LARGE

In Nashua, New Hampshire, 60 volunteers joined by Mayor Bernard Streeter gathered at a local church to deliver services from over 15 agencies to about 60 homeless persons. The Social Security Administration worked on-site to provide benefits assistance. Over 350 Knoxville volunteers were on site to assist over 450 individuals, including using on- site HMIS registration to generate ID cards.

Project Homeless Connect Day in New York City was a collection of events in four of the five boroughs, including a census in Staten Island and Housing Fairs in Manhattan and Brooklyn. In Brooklyn, persons living on the streets were welcomed at the Hanson Central United Methodist Church. Over 200 individuals received assistance with Housing Applications, benefits and entitlement information, medical and mental health services, job training and referrals, SSA homeless outreach, and immigration rights.

IN THE CITIES: UPCOMING PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT NATIONAL EVENTS

WASHINGTON, DC. When the December 8 inaugural National Project Homeless Connect Day is over, there will still be much to look forward to in the evolution of the Interagency Council's national partnership to engage persons who are homeless. More communities across the country have scheduled Project Homeless Connect events over the next few weeks.

Clarksville, Tennessee will hold a December 9 event, with Indianapolis and Minneapolis scheduled for December 13 and 14, respectively. Portland, Oregon, looks forward to a January 17 event, and Waco, Texas, will host Project Connect on January 27.

30 CITIES LAUNCH INAUGURAL NATIONAL DAY OF ENGAGEMENT TO END CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS

WASHINGTON, DC.Thirty cities across the country have partnered with the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to launch tomorrow's inaugural National Project Homeless Connect Day, which will bring together thousands of volunteers from nonprofits, corporations, federal, state, and local government agencies, faith-based organizations, and homeless service programs to engage persons experiencing homelessness in services and housing to end their homelessness.

"Our goal is to encourage communities to focus on activities that will help bring someone's homelessness to an end," said Council Director Philip Mangano who will participate in National Day events in Los Angeles and Hollywood. Director Mangano pointed to Project Connect as "an innovative opportunity to fuse political and social will to generate quantifiable change on our streets and in our neighborhoods."

Public and private sector volunteers in Bridgeport, Connecticut; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Chicago; Columbia, South Carolina; Denver; Knoxville, Tennessee; Miami; Nashua, New Hampshire; New York City; Norfolk, Virginia; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; San Diego; San Francisco; San Jose; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Louis; Tallahassee, Florida; Warwick, Rhode Island; West Hollywood/Hollywood, California; and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, will reach out to people experiencing homelessness and offer services ranging from health care and legal aid to housing assistance, job opportunities, and benefits enrollment.

Project Homeless Connect originated in San Francisco in the fall of 2004 when Mayor Gavin Newsom launched the bi-monthly event to better link that city's street population with housing and services. Mayor Newsom gathered over 275 city workers and walked the streets of the Tenderloin District in an effort to better link the area's street population with available housing and services. Since then, the event, which is held every other month, has brought together over 10,000 volunteers with 5,500 people experiencing homelessness.

During Project Homeless Connect, volunteers engage homeless people on the streets or in shelters and invite them to a central location offering a wide range of services, including shelter/housing placement, urgent medical care, medical referral, dental care, eye exams and glasses, employment services and placement, legal assistance and referral, behavioral health counseling and referral, domestic violence counseling and referral, benefit enrollment, veterans' assistance, Food Stamps, foot care, HIV testing, free phone calls, pet care, wheelchair repair, documentation/identification assistance, and educational classes.

Project Homeless Connect events have also been recently held in Long Beach, New York City, and Dallas, with upcoming events scheduled in Clarksville, Tennessee; Indianapolis; Minneapolis; Portland, Oregon; Quincy, Massachusetts; and Waco, Texas.

IN THE CITIES: ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA UNVEILS COMPLETED PLAN FOCUSED ON HOUSING

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA. "My friends, the State of our City is great. But, let me be clear. A great City without a great heart is one that has yet to achieve its destiny. Saint Paul can never move ahead if we leave any behind." So stated St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly in April as he made ending chronic homelessness the focus of his State of the City address, stressing new initiatives to intervene in young adult homelessness in the city and urging St. Paul citizens to join with him "in dedication to the worthy goal of eliminating chronic homelessness in St. Paul." United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director joined Mayor Kelly as he became the 30th Mayor of a state capital to commit to a 10-Year Plan. Mayor Kelly is pictured here at left with Archbishop Harry Flynn, Director Mangano, and Governor Tim Pawlenty, who joined him for the event.

This week, Mayor Kelly, St. Paul City Council Member Pat Harris, County Commissioner Toni Carter and members of a joint city-county Homeless Advisory Board unveiled St. Paul’s new 5-year, $131 million plan to end chronic homelessness which points to cost benefit analysis as a key element in creating its focus on housing and ending reliance on emergency services. Stated the Mayor as he announced the City’s new initiatives, "We are in fact our brother’s keepers, and we have a responsibility to all human beings."

The Plan sets an overall goal of 920 supportive housing units over five years. Proposed new construction will include several housing options, such as drug- and alcohol-free units and housing for families and youths. More than $33 million will be spent on new construction and $30.8 million on buying and rehabilitating existing homes. About $36 million is set aside for rental assistance, and nearly $31 million will be spent on support services, including counseling. St. Paul has already reached an agreement with Catholic Charities to build a 120-bed single occupancy facility next year, financed in part by a state award of $10.6 million. A second phase of the plan will address those considered transitionally homeless and is expected to be announced next spring.

IN THE STATES: FAMILY HOMELESSNESS IS FOCUS OF STATE LEADERS

WASHINGTON, DC. Federal partners and State teams convened this week "Improving Access to Mainstream Services for Families with Children Experiencing Homelessness," the ninth Federal Policy Academy, which convened in Anaheim, California. Federal partners present were the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. State Teams attended from California, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah, all states which also recently welcomed hurricane evacuees.

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, invited to address the state leaders, identified the importance of the event: "This Policy Academy - through peers, experts, and researchers - will give us new ideas and tools to further our collective mission of ending the homelessness of our poorest neighbors. We recognize that there is a gap between what we know and what we practice. Our mission is to close the gap with results-oriented, evidence based innovation, informed by research and data, and impact oriented." Director Mangano is pictured here meeting with Rhode Island's team.

State teams were joined by researchers and innovators who presented data and evidence-based practices for families experiencing homelessness, including Dr. Marybeth Shinn, New York University Department of Psychology. Implementation, Integration, and Systems Change was addressed by Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner John Wagner, Arizona Department of Economic Security Program Administrator for Community Services Charlene Flaherty, and Montana Council on Homelessness Coordinator Sherrie Downing.

State partners heard from HHS' Barbara Broman of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation and Josephine Robinson, Director of HHS' Office of Community Services. Joining the federal representatives to work directly with state teams were Interagency Council Coordinators John O'Brien (Region I) and Eduardo Cabrera (Region IX).

Breakout sessions for state teams included programs on housing, assisting homeless families with employment skills; Medicaid; supporting homeless families and at-risk families through creative use of TANF funds; youth aging out of foster care; addressing the health/behavioral health needs of homeless families; helping homeless families meet the educational needs of their school-aged and preschool-aged children; reentry and its realities for prisoners, families, and communities; and federal nutrition programs.

The intended objectives for the Policy Academy process include assisting state and local policymakers to develop an Action Plan intended to improve access to mainstream health and human services and employment opportunities that are coordinated with housing for persons who are experiencing homelessness; creating and/or reinforcing relationships among the Governor’s office, State Legislators, key program administrators, and stakeholders from the public and private sectors; providing an environment conducive to the process of strategic decision-making; assisting State and local policymakers in identifying issues or areas of concern that may result in a formal request for technical assistance.

While in California, Director Mangano also toured Skid Row and, with California Department of Mental Health Director Dr. Steven Mayberg, participated in a meeting with Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca, where partners discussed the impact of California’s new investment in ending chronic homelessness with law enforcement and state partners.

IN WASHINGTON: KNOWLEDGE AND CHOICE – SAMHSA CONVENES NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HOMELESSNESS

WASHINGTON, DC. The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services on October 26-29 convened the Third National Conference Addressing Homelessness for People with Mental Illnesses and/or Substance Use Disorders in Washington, DC. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Administrator Charles Curie (pictured here) opened the conference and welcomed the attendees, stressing SAMHSA’s work in its Programs and Principles Matrix focused on “A Life in the Community for Anyone: Building Resilience and Facilitating Recovery.” The theme of the 2005 conference, attended by hundreds of providers, consumers, and officials, was “Preparing People for Change: Knowledge and Choice.”

In a plenary session hosted by SAMHSA's Larry Rickards, United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, invited to keynote the conference, told attendees, "In just the past several years we have developed more of the strategies needed to get the job done. We know that there are innovative ideas out there that will both end and prevent homelessness. We are ready to convert these 'once in a while successes' that end people’s homelessness with housing, services and jobs. We’re ready to see those rare, arduous miracles converted into every day, common experiences."

The goal of the conference was to engage care providers and consumers in an open and ongoing dialogue about individually tailored and effective services for the homeless community. Co-sponsors of the conference were the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, also part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of HHS.

TENNESSEE PARTNERS UNVEIL 10-YEAR PLAN FOCUSED ON LEADERSHIP AND HOUSING

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE. Identifying compassion, public costs, coordination, change, and accountability as key factors, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale last week unveiled their new 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness which calls for a regional point person to lead progress in reaching the plan’s goals. "I think there are some people who have been homeless for years and years without, in their minds, a hope of getting out of it, and that's very hurtful to them, and that's very costly to us. It costs $72 a day to have someone in the jail. Hospital emergency rooms take the brunt of those, which is very expensive treatment," said Mayor Haslam. "It starts with saying that we're not going to keep doing it like we've done before," he said.

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, invited to keynote the unveiling, told the partners, "As you know it was exactly one year ago to the day that we were together to launch the ten year planning process. In that time, the leadership of Mayors Haslam and Ragsdale and their personal and professional commitments on this issue have only grown. As the new Plan shows, they’ve taken the time to learn from other cities and plans and spent the time to coordinate more effectively the resources already in the community." Pictured here are (left to right): Director Mangano, Dr. Nooe, Mayor Ragsdale, and Mayor Haslam.

Planners established a Housing First goal, stating that "leadership is the starting place for solving chronic homelessness and preventing future homelessness." Referring to the plan’s call for a single administrator to oversee progress, Mayor Haslam said, "This is a position we can afford. We are willing to make that commitment, that's how much we believe in this." Appointment of the new official is expected in early 2006, with a mission to coordinate funding from the city and county to implement the nine-point plan drafted by the 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness Task Force led by Dr. Roger Nooe of the University of Tennessee College of Social Work. City of Knoxville official Michael Dunthorn co-chaired the Task Force.

Other members of the Task Force included representatives of Knoxville Coalition for the Homeless, The Salvation Army, Community Health Services, Knox County District Attorney's Office, Central Business Improvement District, Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, Knoxville Police Department, Knoxville Utilities Board, and Cornerstone Foundation. Knox Area Rescue Ministries also was a member of the Task Force, and, while in Knoxville, Director Mangano toured the Mission's training, residential, and business programs. Council Region IV Coordinator Michael German also took part in the events.

IN WASHINGTON: FEDERAL HOUSING INITIATIVES FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY KATRINA MOVE FORWARD

WASHINGTON, DC. "HUD, in cooperation with our local housing authority partners, will provide rental assistance to evacuee households in the affected areas that were already receiving HUD housing assistance or individuals or families who were homeless prior to the hurricane," stated United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary and United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Chair Alphonso Jackson in an appearance this week on "Ask the White House" in which he described his agency's initiatives.

Stated Secretary Jackson: "First, individuals must register with FEMA. Then, eligible individuals and households will be referred to local housing authorities to participate in this program. This rental assistance will be based on the fair market rent in the community where an evacuee decides to relocate. Eligible evacuees may receive rental assistance payments for up to eighteen months."

Secretary Jackson last week joined United States Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff (pictured here) to announce new federal housing initiatives and expedited assistance for those affected by Hurricane Katrina, including historically homeless persons. The initiatives stem from the Administration's commitment to move all evacuees from shelter by mid-October. "Our goal is to use existing resources in an innovative way to help all displaced individuals and families move from temporary shelters to more stable, safe and sufficient housing," said Secretary Chertoff. "Through this coordinated effort, the Federal government is taking quick and immediate action to cut through red tape and deliver immediate assistance to evacuees."

The target date for implementation of HUD's program, entitled "Katrina Disaster Housing Assistance Program (KDHAP)," is October 1. According to last Friday's announcement, housing assistance is being expedited to all evacuees unable to meet immediate housing needs using combined efforts from FEMA and HUD that are based on the agencies' view that evacuees from the hardest-hit portions of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana generally fall into four distinct types of households: previous homeowners, renters, individuals who lived in public housing, and those who were homeless prior to the hurricane. FEMA's assistance is being targeted to the first two groups. HUD's KDHAP initiatives are directed to those who lived in public housing and those who were historically homeless at the time of Hurricane Katrina.

To obtain assistance, you must register with FEMA (1/800-621-FEMA) and obtain a FEMA ID number, make a housing location decision with assistance from HUD and the Public Housing Authority, obtain transportation from FEMA, and, on arrival at a new location, work with the Public Housing Authority who will coordinate temporary shelter and housing search assistance.

The HUD KDHAP subsidy will be capped at 100% of local FMR for family's bedroom size, with an allowance for an actual security deposit amount (capped at 100% of local FMR for family's bedroom size), and actual deposits for utilities (capped at $325) There is no family contribution towards rent provided the rent for the unit does not exceed the FMR. The family will pay for any utilities not included in the rent.

IN THE CITIES AND COUNTIES: NATION'S 200TH 10-YEAR PLANNING PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHED IN RENO, NEVADA

RENO, NEVADA. The City of Reno, joined by Sparks and Washoe County, Nevada, last week became the 200th jurisdiction to commit to a 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, joined Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, Sparks Mayor Geno Martini, Washoe County Commissioner Bonnie Webber, local officials, and United Way of Northern Nevada President Anne Cory at Reno City Hall for the event. Jurisdictional leaders named former City Councilmember and local business leader Bob Rusk as Chair and Deputy City Attorney Mike Halley as Co-chair to forward the new initiative which is expected to result in a draft plan within six months.

"It's a privilege to be in a city reaching one hand to newly homeless Katrina evacuees and the other to historically homeless citizens," stated Director Mangano. "Today the 'biggest little city in the world' is demonstrating that a little city can have a big heart." Director Mangano also noted the work that Reno has done to encourage cost benefit analysis as part of 10-Year Plans, citing the work of Reno Police Department Officers Patrick O'Bryan and Stephen Johns who conducted their own analysis of several individuals on Reno streets and their use of emergency and law enforcement services. Cost benefit studies across the country continue to indicate that homeless people, especially those who are experiencing chronic homelessness, are among the most expensive people to the public purse in communities throughout the nation. Costs in expensive healthcare systems - emergency rooms of hospitals, acute entrances to substance and mental health systems, court and law enforcement costs - when aggregated demonstrate clearly - the solutions of the future can be less expensive than the ad hoc responses of the past.

IN WASHINGTON: FEDERAL AGENCIES MAKE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND WAIVERS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST THOSE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA

WASHINGTON, DC. With Hurricane Rite rapidly approaching, communities are bracing themselves for the latest storm and its consequences. Here is an update of the federal response to Hurricane Katrina including some waivers and dispensations issued by federal agencies.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal disaster declarations are covering 90,000 square miles of affected areas. More than 72,000 unified federal personnel have been deployed. More than 49,800 lives have been saved and rescued. 89,400 people are currently housed in shelters nationwide. 717,000 households have received $1.5 billion in disaster assistance. Approximately 54,800 housing damage inspections have been completed. More than 73% of affected drinking water systems in Louisiana have been restored and 78% are restored in Mississippi. The American Red Cross, in coordination with the Southern Baptist Convention, has served more than 12 million hot meals and more than 8.2 million snacks to survivors of Hurricane Katrina. 50,000 National Guard personnel responded to the relief effort. 44 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas to gain assistance from recovery specialists of local, state, federal and volunteer agencies.

Department of Housing and Urban Development has issued waiver for several programs under Community Planning and Development (CPD): McKinney-Vento Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG), Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA), HOME, CDBG, and the Consolidated Plan. CPD Assistant Secretary Pamela Patenaude has authorized ESG waivers so that the definition of "emergency shelter" is not limited to "facilities." The current definition prevents the use of conventional housing owned by private sector landlords from being used as short- term emergency and transitional shelter resources. Because of the scope of this disaster, HUD is providing maximum flexibility to grantees to meet emergency housing needs.

CPD has also waived for up to one year the obligation and expenditure requirements that currently require states to make ESG funds available for use within 65 days, obligate them within 180 days and spend them within 24 months. Entitlement communities must spend funds within 24 months. This waiver will enable grantees to retain their funds while homeless providers and their communities seek to rebuild service delivery systems. On-line resources provide further information special procedures for e-benefits, locating clients, health information, and more.

Department of Veterans Affairs. There are several mobile outpatient clinics which have been deployed from other VA medical centers to help provide care in the area. VA has established a toll-free number (1/800-507-4571) to assist veterans who received care at the New Orleans VA Medical Center and the VA Gulf Coast Health Care System (Biloxi and Gulfport). VA's web site has information and links on benefits, health care, public health issues, and concerns of family members and employees.

Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service waives campground fees for Hurricane Katrina survivors. The forests offering free camping include the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana, the National Forests of Alabama, the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest in Arkansas, the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas and Oklahoma and the National Forests and Grasslands of Texas. In all, 106 campgrounds are open without charge to victims of Hurricane Katrina as they transition through the first weeks of the disaster.

Eligibility requirements associated with the rural housing program are being waived to expedite the relocation process by USDA Rural Development. 30,000 housing units across the country in the USDA Rural Development program are available to displaced residents. 50,000 low-income residents in the affected areas who have mortgages through USDA are being notified of a 90-day minimum moratorium on payments to reduce the financial hardship.

Schools are being permitted to provide free meals to children who have fled areas devastated by the hurricane. USDA has authorized and continues to encourage states to pre-load electronic food benefit (EBT) cards with $50 worth of assistance, which will enable displaced residents to immediately purchase food even before their application has been processed to receive complete benefits. These cards can then be distributed to displaced residents as they move from shelters to temporary housing.

Department of Health And Human Services has waived provisions of the Social Security Act or related regulations for the affected areas under the declarations of emergency for Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and to the extent necessary to ensure sufficient health care items and services for persons enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP programs and to insure health care providers that furnish such items and services in good faith, but are unable to comply with requirements due to Katrina, can be reimbursed for services.

CMS has adopted a series of emergency policy changes to accommodate the needs of thousands of displaced Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) beneficiaries who have fled Hurricane Katrina and need urgent medical attention in their new host states. Special evacuee status is granted to all those who fled states because of Hurricane Katrina. Accordingly, CMS is working with affected states to develop a new Medicaid and SCHIP application template, through which states may be granted emergency section 1115 demonstrations to provide temporary eligibility for all eligibility groups. Using this new program, evacuees displaced because of the storm will be able to quickly enroll in Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in the state to which they have been evacuated.

The Administration is working with Congress to provide financial support to states that provide Medicaid and SCHIP coverage to evacuees who are currently residing in their states. Consequently, CMS is allowing states to count the full expected cost of these temporary programs in their financial statements to determine federal payments. The following changes to Medicaid and SCHIP will be available to states through the special Section 1115 demonstration initiative: States may waive the normal documentation requirements for verifying an evacuee's Medicaid or SCHIP status in his/her home state or any information relating to household income or employment. The host state may provide temporary eligibility to applicants who are already enrollees in their home state. During the period of eligibility, the host state is required to verify circumstances of eligibility to the greatest extent possible. Evacuees may apply using a simplified application in the host state. Host states, at a minimum, will provide their own Medicaid and SCHIP benefit packages to the evacuees. Host states must extend the expedited application process to evacuees who may be newly eligible because of new economic circumstances created by the hurricane (i.e., loss of job and income that may have made them ineligible prior to the storm). CMS has assigned staff to work with all states who are hosting evacuees to provide speedy access to Medicaid and SCHIP benefits to those in need.

IN WASHINGTON: INTERAGENCY COUNCIL MEMBERS ELECT HUD SECRETARY JACKSON AS CHAIR

WASHINGTON, DC -- SEPTEMBER 13. In a meeting of the full membership of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness at the White House, Council members unanimously elected Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson as Council Chair. Secretary Jackson, who recognized the contributions of outgoing Chair and VA Secretary Jim Nicholson in his commitment to homeless veterans, praised the record of the Council in shaping the nationwide effort to end chronic homelessness and in supporting the joint efforts of Council members.

Secretary Jackson pledged to fully commit himself to the Administration's goal of ending chronic homelessness for the hardest-to-serve homeless individuals who may also be living with a disability, mental illness or an addiction. He also pointed to those individuals and families made homeless for the first time in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Secretary called on member agencies to continue their close collaboration to assist the chronically homelessness as well as those evacuees from the Gulf region.

"Today, we are challenged as never before to create forward-thinking solutions to help those without a roof over their heads," he said. "During this time of incredible need, HUD is answering President Bush's call and helping speed the delivery of resources to communities struggling to house and serve persons and families who are now homeless because of Hurricane Katrina." Pictured here are (left to right) outgoing Chair and VA Secretary Nicholson, new Chair and HUD Secretary Jackson.

Director Mangano, congratulating Secretary Jackson on his new role, observed, "We are fortunate to have Secretary Jackson as a leader at this critical time in the Council's efforts. Homeless people across the country and the Council's members will be greatly assisted by the Secretary's leadership in the coming months. He has shown that he knows how to distinguish between a refugee and an evacuee, between shelter and housing."

HHS ANNOUNCES HISTORIC NEW PERMANENT HOUSING POLICY

In the September 13 full Council meeting, a key federal housing policy development was announced in support of the Administration's goal of ending chronic homelessness. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that, in response to both to the Administration's goal of ending chronic homelessness and the needs of communities, it will in the future consider permanent supportive housing as an eligible use for federal surplus property under the McKinney-Vento Title V program.

The Department will publish an official notice for review and comment this fall to operationalize the change. The policy change will reverse the approach in place since the creation of the property program in 1987, under which eligible uses for surplus property have been emergency shelter, transitional programs, and supportive services. According to HHS , this policy change will expand the options available to communities to better meet the needs of disabled individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness.

ADDITIONAL FEDERAL RESOURCES ANNOUNCED FOR HURRICANE KATRINA RECOVERY

WASHINGTON, DC. Federal agencies continue to bring resources on line to support and assist those affected by Hurricane Katrina. The Department of Health and Human Services has announced the availability of a toll-free hotline for people in crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. By dialing 1/800-273-TALK (1/800-273-8255), callers will be connected to a network of local crisis centers across the country that are committed to crisis counseling. Callers to the hotline will receive counseling from trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in the network.

"We have all been touched by this tragedy, and profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions that many people may experience," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said. "We want people to know that we have a nationwide team of crisis counseling experts available to help people through their grief and loss."

The network is run by HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and involves more than 110 certified crisis centers. People who are in emotional distress or suicidal can call at any time from anywhere in the nation to talk to a trained worker who will listen to and assist callers in getting the mental health help they need. People will be provided with immediate access to local resources, referrals and expertise.

In addition, please take note of the following numbers posted by federal agencies to provide assistance:

FEMA Disaster Assistance Registration is available at 800/621-3362. This number is for use by people in designated federal disaster areas. Callers will give Social Security number, a description of losses, provide some financial information, and give directions to the damaged property.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has established a single toll-free housing hotline, 1/888-297-8685, to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina on all housing issues and questions. The number operates from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT, seven days a week.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has set up a toll-free number - 800/ 507-4571 - for veterans who normally receive health care at VA facilities in New Orleans, Gulfport, and Biloxi, Mississippi. The number can also be used by family members concerned about the location of veterans who were hospitalized at those facilities. The Gulfport facility has been closed, and the New Orleans medical center has been evacuated. The Biloxi facility is still operational.

The number will be staffed continuously for the duration of the emergency. By calling that number, people can find out about receiving health care for veterans evacuated from the storm area; receiving prescription drugs for veterans in the stricken area; locating evacuated VA patients; and any other health care questions for veterans in the area affected by the storm.

The Department of Labor has established a National Contact Center 1/866-4-USA-DOL for inquiries about unemployment insurance, disaster unemployment insurance, and National Emergency Grants.

The Social Security Administration is working to ensure that monthly payments get to beneficiaries affected by Hurricane Katrina. For paper checks: The United States Postal Service (USPS) has suspended mail service in some areas damaged by Hurricane Katrina. USPS is establishing temporary mail delivery stations so you can pick up your Social Security check. To help prevent identity fraud, USPS will ask you for a photo ID. If you are not able to go to a temporary mail delivery station, you can go to any open Social Security office and request an immediate payment. For Direct Deposit: If you receive your Social Security payment by direct deposit, your Social Security payment is scheduled to be deposited to your account as usual. However, if you experience any difficulty getting your payment, you can go to any open Social Security office and request an immediate payment. For more information on the nearest open Social Security office, you can call 1/800-772-1213.

AROUND THE NATION: RESPONSES TO HURRICANE KATRINA COME FROM ALL SECTORS

WASHINGTON, DC. As federal partners link the existing emergency infrastructure to those in need, the response from all sectors to Hurricane Katrina continues to build. The internal Task Force of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, created last week by Council Executive Director Philip Mangano to ensure that the needs of homeless persons in the affected areas will be a priority in all present and future stabilization and recovery efforts, has been reporting regularly on developments in the field. Led by Region IV Coordinator and 16-year FEMA veteran Michael German, whose regional responsibilities include Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida, the Task Force has re-established contact with homeless programs displaced from affected areas and is steadily assessing need.

Mr. German has been in contact with regional federal offices across the southern states, hearing of their coordinated efforts to provide assistance to those leaving the stricken area, and the success of evacuations of both homeless persons and program staff. For example, some New Orleans programs were evacuated to Houston , Baton Rouge , and other areas and are still re-establishing communications. Programs from Gulfport and Biloxi were able to evacuate some clients to northern areas of the state. Programs are identifying the extent of damage to their sites and needs ranging from transportation barriers to ensuring continuity for prescriptions. Key state homeless contacts, such as Alabama's new Interagency Council for the Homeless, operated by the Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives in the Governor's office, has appealed for housing, shelter, clothing, food, jobs, and transportation that can be made available to survivors.

Region VI Coordinator Sally Shipman met this week with the Regional Federal Interagency Council for Region VI, which includes Louisiana and Texas. She has reported on the work of emergency assistance centers along the I-45 corridor between Houston and Dallas, initiatives by local motels to open their doors for 2-week stays for those in need, and developing efforts to ensure educational access for students at every level, including college.

With housing need a top priority, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is being aided from a wide variety of sources across the nation including state parks, military bases, available housing stock and private homes. Other housing options already being implemented or considered by FEMA include deployment of thousands of FEMA emergency trailers; use of military facilities; contracting for hotels and motels; contracting rentals and other vacant properties; assistance from state and local governments and businesses; and generosity of friends and other private citizens opening their homes to evacuees.

The Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Operations Center (HSOC) has activated the National Emergency Resource Registry. The NERR will assist the coordination efforts between the private and public sectors. If you or your organization / agency / corporation have resources that may be made available, please list them in this Resource Registry. Most needed are baby food, housing, transportation, and emergency supplies. Register to provide resources at https://www.swern.gov/

IN WASHINGTON: FEDERAL PARTNERS RESPOND TO KATRINA

WASHINGTON, DC. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) successfully evacuated the most critically ill patients from the VA Medical Center in New Orleans , and VA officials are now establishing procedures for family members to locate patients evacuated from affected facilities. Officials are also finalizing procedures for veterans from the hurricane area to receive benefits checks and prescription drugs. "The safety of our patients is paramount for all VA employees," said VA Secretary and United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Chair R. James Nicholson.

VA has set up a toll-free number for veterans who normally receive health care at VA facilities in New Orleans , and Gulfport and Biloxi , Mississippi . The number can also be used by family members concerned about the location of veterans who were hospitalized at those facilities. The Gulfport facility has been closed, and the New Orleans medical center has been evacuated. The Biloxi facility is still operational.

The VA number is 1/800-507-4571. It will be staffed continuously for the duration of the emergency. By calling that number, people can find out about: receiving health care for veterans evacuated from the storm area; receiving prescription drugs for veterans in the stricken area; locating evacuated VA patients; and any other health care questions for veterans in the area affected by the storm. The volunteer corps of VA has assisted veterans for nearly 60 years; people wishing to help should contact their nearest VA facility and ask for the Voluntary Service Office.

Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson also announced new steps to address need in the region. "We understand the pain that these families are going through," he said. "We are committed to giving those families the security of having a roof over their heads as soon as possible - even if it's a temporary solution."

In an effort to "meet the immediate housing needs of those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed," HUD is sending employees to Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster field offices, Secretary Jackson announced. The housing agency is also compiling inventories of empty multifamily housing, public housing units and other vacant homes that could provide temporary shelter. Individuals in declared counties can register online for disaster assistance at www.fema.gov or call FEMA’s toll free registration line at 1/800-621-FEMA (3362); for the hearing impaired TTY 800-462-7585.

The Department of Labor last week announced grants to help displaced workers earn money while they look for permanent jobs. "Our hearts go out to the people of New Orleans and the communities throughout Louisiana , Mississippi , and Alabama who face many challenges as they recover from the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "These grants will provide up to $116 million to create temporary jobs that will mean paychecks for thousands of dislocated workers and will help to clean-up, rebuild and repair their communities."

The National Emergency Grants will help states pay citizens who assist in the cleanup. Initial installments of $1.3 million in Alabama and $16.6 million in Mississippi have been released. The Mississippi disbursement will be used to create up to 10,000 temporary jobs for people providing food, shelter, and other services to fellow Mississippians. State officials will administer the grants. Individuals seeking unemployment assistance from the impacted areas and at evacuation sites should call the U.S. Department of Labor toll-free at 1/866-4-USA-DOL (1/866-487-2365) for information on registering for unemployment insurance and disaster unemployment assistance.

The Small Business Administration is sending loan officers to the FEMA assistance centers to help help disburse loans of up to $200,000 each to repair damaged homes, and of up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property including furniture and clothing. Small companies can apply for up to $1.5 million to fix offices, machinery and damaged inventory. SBA provided $2.1 billion to help to 64,500 home and business owners in the aftermath of hurricanes last summer.

The Social Security Administration has announced new measures to ensure that victims of Hurricane Katrina will receive benefits. According to SSA, the agency will grant hurricane victims duplicate benefits if they don't receive original checks sent by the agency or if direct deposits fail to go through. Beneficiaries can go to SSA offices to receive emergency payments. SSA representatives are already working at FEMA emergency stations in affected areas. SSA is also working with the United States Postal Service to set up temporary locations where people can pick up essential mail, including Social Security checks. Some temporary sites already have opened in Mississippi . SSA’s Public Affairs officials are also working to publicize these services. Information on local SSA offices is available at 1/800- 772-1213. For information on temporary mail pickup locations, visit USPS' National Mail Service Update Page.

The potential effect of this variety of federal efforts to respond will be to prevent the long-term homelessness of those who are victims of the Katrina disaster.

IN WASHINGTON: HUD FORWARDS RESOURCES FOR PERSONS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA

WASHINGTON, DC. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson has announced that HUD has established a Public and Indian Housing Resource Information Center, and a toll-free number, 1/800-955-2232, to assist displaced public housing residents and Section 8 voucher holders. Through its 80 field offices, HUD has also provided policy guidance to the nation's 3,200 Public Housing Authorities on how to assist displaced families as they relocate to other areas.

"We have had a number of Public Housing Authorities (PHA) nationwide from as far away as Ohio and Pennsylvania, step up to this challenge, and immediately start making all their vacant units accessible for displaced families," said Secretary Jackson. "We will be working with all the PHA's, around the clock, to help restore that sense of security a family has when there is a roof over their head."

In other measures, Secretary Jackson has instructed all FHA-approved lenders to provide foreclosure relief to FHA-insured families who are affected by Hurricane Katrina. The relief includes a special 90-day moratorium on all foreclosures of FHA-insured properties in the Presidentially declared disaster areas. Secretary Jackson is also encouraging lenders to undertake actions such as mortgage modification, refinancing, and waiver of late charges.

Following President Bush's federal disaster declaration, HUD began providing staff to Disaster Field Offices set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. HUD's initial concern is to help meet the immediate housing needs of those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. HUD is also reaching out to its private sector partners such as the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Counties for assistance. HUD is contacting top mortgage lenders about their inventory of repossessed homes; the homebuilding industry for help with building materials and supplying construction workers; its housing counseling network to assist displaced homeowners; and the manufactured housing industry about available housing stock.

In addition, HUD will identify vacant multi-family housing and HUD-owned homes that could be used as temporary housing for those forced from their homes. For more information about temporary housing go to FEMA's Web site or call 1-800-621-3362. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME grantees may reprogram previously awarded grants to redirect their focus to disaster recovery activities but grantees must request the reprogram from HUD. HUD's Section 203(k) loan program enables homebuyers and homeowners who have lost their homes to finance both the purchase and/or refinancing of a house and the cost of its rehabilitation through a single mortgage. It also allows homeowners who have damaged houses to finance the rehabilitation of their existing single-family home. This program encourages lenders to make mortgages available to borrowers who would not otherwise qualify for conventional loans on affordable terms and to residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods. HUD has a special mortgage insurance program under Section 203(h) of the National Housing Act to assist disaster victims. Under this program, individuals or families whose residences were destroyed or damaged to such an extent that reconstruction or replacement is necessary are eligible for 100 percent financing. HUD will provide Indian Community Development Block Grant funding (up to $300,000 per grantee) for disaster relief for Indian Housing and Tribal areas.

IN THE CITIES: HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS PROGRAMS STEP UP TO HELP KATRINA VICTIMS

WASHINGTON, DC. The federal Health Care for the Homeless program has stepped up to respond to Hurricane Katrina with key resources for communities and homeless people. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration at the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Care for the Homeless programs are making dozens of volunteer medical professionals available to affected parts of the country to support relief and recovery efforts.

Working with the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, HCH is also directing copies of its manual, The Health Care of Homeless Persons: A Manual of Communicable Diseases & Common Problems in Shelters & on the Streets, by overnight delivery to FEMA for distribution to emerging shelters in Alabama and Mississippi. Distribution is forthcoming to areas of Louisiana and Texas which will see the bulk of those in need. HCH programs throughout the country expect to see a surge in patients as those displaced by the storm seek shelter in other communities.

The practical, highly informative guidebook is a resource for clinics, shelters, service sites, and housing facilities affected by the markedly poor health of homeless persons. "This manual provides an expert resource for understanding and addressing specific physical health problems of homeless people, and to respond more appropriately and effectively," stated John Lozier, Executive Director of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. For others working in the affected areas or with those fleeing affected communities, the manual is also available on-line for download at www.nhchc.org/manual.html

Edited by Dr. James O'Connell of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, the heavily illustrated 384-page manual describes 36 serious health problems that frequently afflict homeless persons and discusses appropriate responses and treatment. The manual addresses communicable disease control and food handling in shelter settings, and describes current approaches to the management of chronic diseases. Also included are convenient patient education materials in English and Spanish that can be easily reproduced for clients, staff, and volunteers.

Health Care for the Homeless is also broadly distributing the Center for Disease Control's Updates (available in several languages) on food and water safety, electrical hazards, and other key issues. See CDC UPDATES TO INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE: Aug 31-Sep 2, 2005 - Special Update: New and Updated Documents Relating to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane-Affected Areas - Keep Food and Water Safe after a Natural Disaster or Power Outage - Water Section Updated - http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater.asp; Disinfecting Wells Following an Emergency - http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wellsdisinfect.asp; French Translation of: How to Protect Yourself and Others from Electrical Hazards Following a Natural Disaster - http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/fr/pdf/electrical.pdf; French Translation of: Key Facts About Hurricane Recovery: Protect Your Health and Safety After a Hurricane - http://wwwv.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/fr/pdf/r ecovery.pdf

IN THE CITIES: PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS MOVE TO RESPOND

WASHINGTON, DC. The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness has responded to numerous recent inquiries from the private sector, as organizations work to create additional resources and opportunities for those in need following Hurricane Katrina. This story profiles two innovators whose initiatives the e-news has previously reported, and the ways in which they are responding to the hurricane's aftermath. HomeAid, a major developer of transitional housing for persons experiencing homelessness, has received a multi-million dollar grant from AmeriQuest Mortgage Company to address the mid and long term housing issues resulting from Katrina. Partnered with the building industry, HomeAid will use its well-established public/private model and its new seed money to create a prototype program in Houston with the Building Industry Association. This model will then be expanded to the Gulf Coast region more broadly.

Supported primarily through corporate donations, foundation grants, and individual contributions, HomeAid emergency and transitional facilities are owned and operated by non-profit partners and include specialized supportive counseling and job training services to achieve self-sufficiency. HomeAid's model provides for local communities to exercise choice in becoming partners. Building associations select a community provider and a specific project and then recruit a Builder Captain, a role HomeAid views as the centerpiece of its mission. The local HomeAid Chapter recruits the Builder Captain from among building industry professionals to play the lead role in the planned construction or renovation project. The Builder Captain then turns to trade partners (sub contractors, suppliers, and consultants) in the local building community to contribute labor, materials, and services to the construction or renovation project.

The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) program brings shelter, meals, and support services to families without homes in a cost-efficient, effective, and replicable community response to family homelessness. IHN is currently talking to its chapters to design a response to Hurricane Katrina. Based on site visits to both programs in the field, the Interagency Council, working with many partners, saw that the strengths, approaches, and record of HomeAid and Interfaith Hospitality Network were complementary parts to a larger goal of rapidly expanding community-based capacity for families in need. HomeAid and IHN are now exploring possible partnership in launching additional cost-effective capacity in emergency and transitional settings.

Because they make use of existing community resources, IHN sites can be implemented quickly, without major start-up costs. Hosting rotates weekly among the 10 to 12 host congregations in a Network. In turn, each host congregation provides lodging, three meals daily, and welcoming care. Network sites may also provide a Day Center, where guests use a local day center from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, where the IHN director, a professional social worker, provides case management services. There, guests pursue employment, tend pre-school children, shower, and do laundry. The day center provides guests with a mailing address and a base for housing and employment searches. Many guests are employed during the day, while older children attend school.

Volunteers provide services including cooking and serving meals, playing with children or helping them with homework, and interacting with guests, with respect and compassion. Local social service agencies refer families to the Network. The agencies may also help guests find housing, jobs, and benefits. An IHN van transports guests to and from the day center. The van also carries bedding and luggage to the next host congregation.

IN WASHINGTON: INTERAGENCY COUNCIL RESPONDS TO HURRICANE KATRINA

WASHINGTON, DC. As the destructive force of Hurricane Katrina is still being manifested in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness has moved to ensure that the needs of homeless persons in the affected areas will be a priority in all present and future stabilization and recovery efforts. Council Executive Director Philip Mangano this week announced the creation of an internal Council Task Force which includes the Council's Regional Coordinators in the affected areas.

"Member agencies of the Council will be making significant investment in the stabilization and recovery efforts in the affected areas," stated Director Mangano. "Our task is to work diligently to communicate with affected areas and ensure that the needs of people experiencing homelessness - both historic and new - are recognized and given priority. We are not only concerned for those who have been homeless but for those, especially renters, who now are at risk of long term homelessness. Our efforts, as always, will be in partnership with federal, state, and local responses, as well as with providers in the field."

The Council's Task Force is led by Region IV Coordinator Michael German, whose regional responsibilities include Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Mr. German is a 16-year veteran of FEMA disaster relief efforts. At FEMA he managed over twenty major disaster operations in the field. Previously he created and directed the Office of Grants Development for the City of Atlanta under former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson and also served as Deputy Executive Director of the Atlanta Housing Authority, the fourth largest public housing agency in the nation.

Region VI Coordinator Sally Shipman will also be key to the Task Force, with her responsibilities in the states of Louisiana and Texas. Ms. Shipman came to her work at the Council with broad experience in issues facing homeless programs. As a City Council member in Austin, Texas, Ms. Shipman initiated the City's Task Force on Homelessness. She also served as the Executive Director of the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County and chair of the Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless, as well as on the Board of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

In the States: California Governor Shwarzenegger Announces New State and Housing Initiatives

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA. "I'm dedicated to working together so we can build a California where everyone has a place they can call home," stated California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on August 31 as he announced the California Initiative to End Long -Term Homelessness, a package of state and private funding targeted to the development of new supportive housing and services and the creation of a State Interagency Council on Homelessness. Speaking at the USVets Cabrillo Career Center in Long Beach, California, the Governor was joined by public and private partners pictured here (left to right) Long Beach Mayor and United States Conference of Mayors President Beverly O'Neill, Corporation for Supportive Housing President Carla Javits, Hilton Foundation Vice President Judith Miller, and USVets Community Development Director Steve Peck.

According to Governor Schwarzenegger, the goals of the new initiative are to leverage Proposition 46 funds, in conjunction with tax credits and locality funds, to build approximately 400 to 500 new units of permanent housing, support the cost of ongoing services through Proposition 63 funding to ensure these tenants receive the services they require to keep them off the street, and coordinate federal, state, local, non-profit and private sector efforts to combat homelessness. The Initiative creates a multi- agency committee to provide a simple, one-stop approval process for funding requests.

Funds announced by the Governor include: up to $40 million in Proposition 46 funds to leverage private sector resources to produce 400 to 500 new supportive housing units; funding provided under Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act to be used for services and support of ongoing operations at housing communities; $10 million from the California Housing Financing Agency from its Housing Assistance Trust to provide liquidity to community based lending organizations developing housing for the long-term homeless, freeing up capital for greater leveraging for new units; $750,000 in Proposition 63 dollars allocated to the Department of Housing and Community Development to be used for predevelopment costs such as permitting, engineering costs, site development and environmental reports; and $125,000 in State General Fund dollars to fund an inter-agency council comprised of: state and federal agencies and departments; local social service, health, law enforcement and other local agencies; local elected officials; non-governmental providers of services to the homeless; homeless advocates; and the philanthropic community, to coordinate efforts to combat long-term homelessness and maximize the use of resources.

The Conrad Hilton Foundation has recently committed $8 million to help community groups develop new permanent supportive housing units for homeless people with mental illness and to facilitate funding coordination among city and county agencies. The funding provided by the Foundation will be administered through the Corporation for Supportive Housing.

The Governor's announcement follows California becoming the 48th state to partner with the U. S. Interagency Council on Homelessness in the creation of a State Interagency Council on Homelessness and the recent visit of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson announcing HUD's Homeless Assistance Grants. A special emphasis on homeless veterans was part of the initiatives announced by the Governor.

In the Cities: Central Arkanas Cities Collaborate on Plan to End Chronic Homelessness

Mangano, Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Swaim and Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS. Government partnership to end chronic homelessness was in evidence on August 26 as Mayors of Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Jacksonville, Arkansas, gathered to unveil their new Central Arkansas Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. Joining Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey, North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Hayes, and Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Swaim was United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano.

"I am pleased to join these three Mayors here today. In order to fully address the issue of chronic homelessness, we must look beyond the limits of a single city and approach it as a region. This plan puts performance, outcomes, and accountability to work for homeless people, not to serve them in place, but to insure they have a place to live," stated Director Mangano.

Central Arkansas Team Care for the Homeless, a consortium of area providers which was the first entity to endorse the plan, was represented by its President Doris Williams Turner. Also joining in the event were Council Region VI Coordinator Sally Shipman, HUD Acting Field Office Director Alice Rufus, Little Rock HUD CPD Director James Slater, Little Rock City Director Joan Adcock; and Little Rock Housing and Community Development Director Andre Bernard.

Mayor Dailey also announced the members of the steering committee charged with devising strategies to implement the 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. The Co-Chairs are Barry McDaniel of Our House, Inc., and Estella Morris of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. Members include Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence; St. Francis House; Colliers Dickson Flake Partners; Union Rescue Mission; Little Rock Community Mental Health; Department of Health and Human Services; Salvation Army; and North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. Other members are: Little Rock Police Department; Little Rock Workforce Investment Board; Arkansas Food Bank; Downtown Partnership; Hoover United Methodist Church; Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church; Arkansas Supportive Housing Network; and River City Ministry.

Alabama Governor Riley Creates State Interagency Council Focused on Partnership and Results

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA. The YWCA of Central Alabama was the site of the signing of Executive Order #31 by Alabama Governor Bob Riley on August 11, as he created the state's new Interagency Council on Homelessness. The Council, which will be chaired by the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives headed by Executive Director Terry Hasdorff, will develop an action plan to end chronic homelessness within 10 years, coordinate state agencies' services, and submit an annual accountability report outlining its accomplishments toward preventing and ending chronic homelessness in the state. The council is modeled after the federal Interagency Council on Homelessness. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano and Alabama Alliance to End Homelessness President Brenda Durham joined Governor Riley for the event.

"Multiple state agencies currently bear some responsibility of serving the homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless. Addressing this problem requires collaboration among these agencies, and I believe Alabama's faith-based organizations, national service programs and charitable community groups can be effective partners in bringing compassion and hope to these people in such need," the Governor said.

Stated Director Mangano, "This new Executive Order creates one of the most expansive and mission- oriented councils in our country. No state order has a more comprehensive involvement of every level of government or a more strategic approach to planning. In the breadth of the partnership envisioned, including federal, state, local, business, philanthropic, non-profit and faith-based partners, this Executive Order sets a new standard of collaboration and intent." Alabama's action brings to 53 the number of Governors of states and territories who have moved to create State Interagency Councils on Homelessness with the encouragement of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

YWCA President Sheryl Kimerling welcomed over 80 people who attended the event, including United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Regional Director and former Augusta Mayor Bob Young, Tuscaloosa Mayor Alvin DuPont, and Homewood Mayor Barry McCulley.

Alabama Governor Riley Creates State Interagency Council Focused on Partnership and Results

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA. The YWCA of Central Alabama was the site of the signing of Executive Order #31 by Alabama Governor Bob Riley on August 11, as he created the state's new Interagency Council on Homelessness. The Council, which will be chaired by the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives headed by Executive Director Terry Hasdorff, will develop an action plan to end chronic homelessness within 10 years, coordinate state agencies' services, and submit an annual accountability report outlining its accomplishments toward preventing and ending chronic homelessness in the state. The council is modeled after the federal Interagency Council on Homelessness. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano and Alabama Alliance to End Homelessness President Brenda Durham joined Governor Riley for the event.

"Multiple state agencies currently bear some responsibility of serving the homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless. Addressing this problem requires collaboration among these agencies, and I believe Alabama's faith-based organizations, national service programs and charitable community groups can be effective partners in bringing compassion and hope to these people in such need," the Governor said.

Stated Director Mangano, "This new Executive Order creates one of the most expansive and mission- oriented councils in our country. No state order has a more comprehensive involvement of every level of government or a more strategic approach to planning. In the breadth of the partnership envisioned, including federal, state, local, business, philanthropic, non-profit and faith-based partners, this Executive Order sets a new standard of collaboration and intent." Alabama's action brings to 53 the number of Governors of states and territories who have moved to create State Interagency Councils on Homelessness with the encouragement of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

YWCA President Sheryl Kimerling welcomed over 80 people who attended the event, including United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Regional Director and former Augusta Mayor Bob Young, Tuscaloosa Mayor Alvin DuPont, and Homewood Mayor Barry McCulley.

In the Cities: $10 Million Awarded to 11 Cities to Create Supportive Housing for Over 500 Persons Experiencing Chronic Homelessness

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE. "As we continue to work toward ending chronic homelessness, there is no better place to devote our energies than to offer a helping hand to those who are the hardest to help," said United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson yesterday as HUD announced that hundreds of persons living for long periods of time on the streets because of their addiction to alcohol will have a new chance at a permanent home because of $10 million in funding announced yesterday in Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of 11 awardee cities in the new demonstration program.

The program, developed in close consultation with the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, will benefit 555 persons living on the streets for at least 365 days over the last five years and who also have a long-term addiction to alcohol. A dozen pilot programs in 11 cities around the country are receiving two-year grants through HUD's new Housing for People Who Are Homeless and Addicted To Alcohol program, a special initiative designed to assist homeless persons who also struggle with chronic alcoholism.

Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield welcomed HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development Pamela Patenaude, United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Deputy Director Mary Ellen Hombs, Representative Zach Wamp, City Council Members, and County Mayors from surrounding counties taking part in the Chattanooga initiative for the national announcement of the awards. SouthEast Tennessee Human Resource Agency will be the lead for the initiative. Stated Mayor Littlefield, "We are deeply appreciative that HUD has recognized the concerted efforts of our community to address the issue of chronic homelessness by fully funding this innovative grant proposal. Chattanooga is committed to being a 'City of Compassion' and our work on this vital issue will be crucial to helping us fully reach this important objective." Pictured here are (right to left): Mayor Littlefield, Rep. Wamp, Assistant Secretary Patenaude, SETHRA Executive Director Riley Anderson, and Deputy Director Hombs.

Noted Ms. Hombs, "HUD and the Council are here today as federal partners who have once again worked together to create a new approach to investing for results, to reach outside of existing models so that we can reach inside the population of those most deeply in need of innovative housing solutions, and most deeply in need of our partnership." Also present for the awards were HUD Knoxville CPD Director Mary Wilson and CPD officials Mark Brezina and Jim Walker.

In addition to Chattanooga's award, Assistant Secretary Patenaude announced awards to Chicago, Contra Costa, CA, Denver, Jacksonville, New York City, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Santa Monica, and Washington, DC. Most of the award sites are in communities committed to jurisdictional 10-Year Plans to End Chronic Homelessness, and six of the sites are awardees under the $55 million federal HUD-HHS-VA Collaborative Initiative to End Chronic Homelessness, which has moved over 600 of the longest term homeless people to permanent housing.

In the Cities: 4300 Years of Homelessness Ended Across the U.S. - Results of the $55 Million Federal Collaborative Initiative

WASHINGTON, DC. The latest results from the 11 sites across the country partnered in the $55 million Collaborative Initiative to End Chronic Homelessness investment of the federal Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs show that 600 persons experiencing chronic homelessness have now been housed in the target cities, ending 4300 years of homelessness.

The results from the 11 sites around the country are the basis of the President's FY 06 request for a new $200 million Samaritan Housing Initiative at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development which is now before Congress. Pictured here at the October 1, 2003, Full Council meeting announcement of the awards were (right to left) then HUD Secretary and Council Chair Mel Martinez, Columbus Community Shelter Board awardee Barbara Poppe, Interagency Council Director Philip Mangano, then HHS Secretary and Council Vice Chair Tommy Thompson, and then VA Secretary Anthony Principi.

A National Movement of Political and Civic Will

Summer hiatus? Not for federal, state and local efforts to realize the goal of ending chronic homelessness. As Memorial Day neared marking the beginning of the summer season, the Delaware Interagency Council on Homelessness created by an Executive Order signed by Governor Ruth Ann Minner held its first meeting, and next month when a similar Executive Order is signed by Alabama Governor Bob Riley, 49 of 50 states will have committed to having a working state interagency council. These state interagency councils are an important tool for Governors and legislators to better understand the range of state resources and policies that can affect homelessness and for ensuring that state activities and funding decisions result in solutions that prevent and end homelessness.

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness has been holding a series of regional colloquies to provide expert and peer to peer support for state leaders. These regional state colloquies cover such topics as data and research, investing in outcomes, discharge planning and other strategies for persons at high risk for becoming chronically homeless, leveraging resources, and housing development strategies with state housing finance agencies participation. Colloquies have already been held for northeast, midwest and southeast state leaders. A southwest states colloquy is being planned.

Like their gubernatorial counterparts, mayors and county executives continue to join the effort to end chronic homelessness. Last week several New England cities had 10-year planning announcements. The mayors of Pittsfield and North Adams, MA announced they would be undertaking a regional 10-year planning effort as did the mayors of Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner, MA. The mayors of Bridgeport, CT and Quincy, MA released 10-year plans developed by their communities.

July is shaping up to be an especially busy month. The annual National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) conference takes place in Washington DC July 12-13. On July 11, the Council is partnering with the National Alliance to End Homelessness to offer a one day pre-conference institute for key state agency decision makers (including representatives of Governors offices, state interagency council chairs, Policy Academy chairs and state liaisons to the ICH) engaged in developing state level strategies for ending chronic homelessness.

On July 26, the twenty member United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (see full list of members to left) will hold our next meeting. A summary of the meeting proceedings will be available on our website following the meeting.

Also sometime in July, we anticipate a milestone will be reached-the 200th community committed to undertaking a 10-year plan. Having 200 communities working on 10 year plans is an extraordinary display of local political and civic will on the issue of ending chronic homelessness.

July is also an important time for federal budgeting for the effort to end chronic homelessness. The President's FY2006 budget proposal, sent to the Congress this past February, calls for a $200 million increase in funding for HUD's homeless assistance grants program to a record level of $1.44 billion. As requested by the President, the $200 million would be additional resources targeted to the chronic homelessness effort. Last month the US House of Representatives approved an FY 06 appropriation bill that would provide $100 million of the $200 million in additional funding requested by the President. The next step in the legislative process will occur on July 11 when the Senate Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary and HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, chaired by Missouri Senator Kit Bond, will have the opportunity to consider the President's request and make its recommendation.

Recognizing the Needs of Homeless Veterans in 10-Year Planning Processes to End Chronic Homelessness

VA Secretary and ICH Chair Jim Nicholson

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ("VA"), nearly 200,000 veterans may be homeless on any given night. Nearly half of all veterans treated in health care programs suffer from mental illness and slightly more than 2 out of 3 have alcohol or drug abuse problems. Thirty-five percent have both psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. 10-year planning processes to end chronic homelessness are underway in nearly 200 state, county and local jurisdictions across the nation. Best practice in the convening of these planning partnerships and the development of outcome-oriented plans includes inviting to the planning table individuals who can effectively represent the needs of homeless veterans and incorporating knowledge of the availability of homeless assistance resources into the plan.

To facilitate consideration of the needs of homeless veterans and knowledge of available resources by 10-year planning partnerships, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness has prepared a resource document that includes rosters of key contacts including the VA's VISN Network Homeless Coordinators and the Veteran Benefits Administration Homeless Veteran Outreach Coordinators. The VA has the largest integrated network of homeless assistance programs in the country, offering a wide array of services and initiatives to help veterans recover from homelessness and live as self sufficiently and independently as possible. Additional overview information about these services and links to the VA and other useful websites of federal agencies and veterans organizations are also included in the document.

"How is it so easy to not see those in our very midst who need our help so desperately?"

Saint Paul Mayor Randy Kelly delivering his State of the City address at the Dorothy Day Center this week focused on the issue of homelessness in his community, outlining steps to reduce teen homelessness in particular and pledging to work to solve the problem of chronic homelessness.

In his moving remarks, Mayor Kelly called the Saint Paul community to action, noting “We cannot stand inside, comfortable and safe, while so many of our own wait outside.” Mayor Kelly encouraged the City/County Homelessness Advisory Board to submit a 10-Year Action Plan to End Chronic Homelessness by September 1 and he asked the Saint Paul community to “sign up and volunteer.” Citing the important work being done by Project HOME of the St. Paul Area Council of Churches, through which congregations provide shelter in their own buildings for children and families, Mayor Kelly pledged to volunteer in the program one night a month and encouraged others in the community to do so as well.

“If this city is to ever reach the greatness that I believe is our destiny, then first we must all be like those who volunteer at Dorothy Day. We must individually make the commitment to help our neighbors, to help our fellow citizens. Tonight, I am asking you to volunteer…

Some say that fixing homelessness is too expensive; it’s better to do nothing. Yet in doing nothing, we do not lower costs. We will continue to pay higher medical costs for emergency rooms; higher costs for social services; higher costs for police and emergency responses; and high costs for jail. Most of all homelessness creates a loss of useful lives. The only tragedy greater than the lost human potential would be not taking action to solve the problem.

The people, the families, the children served at the Dorothy Day Center and at shelters citywide are not statistics, but living, feeling, caring people who want the dignity of a home and the pride of being able to care for themselves and their families. They have hopes and dreams and desires of providing a better life, showing a better way, teaching a better lesson… As mayor, I can issue a call to action. But as compassionate, engaged and responsible members of this community, we must be moved to action… We must provide hope and help to those for whom the weight of life’s burdens has been back-breaking. We must see the beauty and the value in all people, regardless of their current place along the journey through this challenging life… In Saint Paul we have the power to free people from the “long loneliness” of homelessness and to give the love that comes with community – with and from THIS community- we can make it so .”

Earlier in the day, Mayor Kelly met with ICH Executive Director Philip Mangano and during his State of the City address, referred to ICH’s 10-Step Toolkit which the community is using to help them develop their local strategy for ending chronic homelessness.

Spring Alert ! New Federal Funding Opportunities and Resources Are Available

Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Services

• $2 million available in competitive grants for services to expedite the re-entry of homeless veterans into the workforce.

• Targeted Area: the 75 largest U.S cities and the metropolitan area of San Juan, PR

• Deadline: April 28, 2005

Department of Veterans Affairs

• $15 million available for capital grants of up to $400,000 each under the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program for housing for homeless veterans and where appropriate acquisition of vans for outreach and transportation.

• Targeted Area: The VA has established four priorities for this funding: Priority I - projects exclusively for homeless Native American veterans; Priority 2 -projects physically located in Alaska, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Virginia, Vermont, Puerto Rico or any territory or possession; Priority 3- projects in certain MSA cities as listed in the Federal Register notice; Priority 4- applications from state and local governments and faith based and community based organizations. See Federal Register Notice for details.

• Deadline: June 8, 2005

Department of Labor

• Approximately $19.8 million is being made available in competitive grants to faith based and community based organizations in urban areas to support employment-centered programs to assist non-violent prisoners make the transition back to their communities and families. A holistic approach is being sought incorporating employment training and placement, and access to housing assistance and behavioral health services where needed. Several federal agencies are cooperating with the Department of Labor in the development of this initiative including the Departments of Justice, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services.

• Target Areas: Urban areas heavily impacted by high numbers of returning prisoners and high rates of recidivism. Grants will be approximately $660,000 each for the first year, with up to 3 additional option years depending on the availability of funds and demonstrated performance. The Department of Justice will subsequently award competitive grants to state agencies to provide pre-release services to prisoners who will be returning to the communities served by the DOL grants.

• Deadline: July 13, 2005

Department of Housing and Urban Development

On March 21, the Department of Housing and Urban Development released its annual SuperNOFA which includes the application for over $1 billion in homeless assistance grants. New this year is a $10 million two-year initiative for chronically homeless persons who are addicted to alcohol. ( see story below ). HUD will answer questions about this year's application process for homeless assistance funds during a webcast on April 7 from 1-4 pm eastern time.

HUD Releases 2005 SuperNOFA

• Includes new $10 million two-year Housing for People Who Are Homeless and Addicted to Alcohol Initiative
• June 10 application deadline for Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs
• Electronic filing through Grants.Gov required for applications EXCEPT the Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs

March 21. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today released the 2005 SuperNOFA providing application instructions for the following programs:

• Assisted Living Conversion
• Brownfields Economic Development Initiative
• Community Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaskan Native Villages
• Community Development Technical Assistance
• Community Development Work Study Program
• Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs
• Fair Housing Initiatives
• Housing Choice Voucher Family Self Sufficiency
• Housing Counseling
• Housing for People who are Homeless and Addicted to Alcohol
• Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS
• Indian Community Development Block Grant
• Lead Hazard Control
• Public and Indian Housing Family Self Sufficiency
• Public Housing Neighborhood Networks
• Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency
• Rural Housing and Economic Development
• Section 202 and 811
• Service Coordinators in Multifamily Housing
• Student Research and Study Programs
• University and College Programs
• Youthbuild

Beginning this year, paper applications have been replaced by a requirement for electronic filing through Grants.gov for all programs except for the continuum of care homeless assistance programs.

A guidebook to HUD programs entitled, "Connecting with Communities: A User's Guide to HUD Programs and the FY2005 NOFA Process," is available from the HUD NOFA Information Center and the HUD Web site. The NOFA Information Center is open between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. 800-HUD-8929 or for the hearing impaired, 900-hud-2209(TTY)

Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs

Approximately $1 billion will be available for the continuum of care homeless assistance programs this year. The section below appears in the Federal Register as HUD's summary of major changes for 2005:

1. CoC Hold Harmless Amount. This is the total of the one-year amount of all SHP projects eligible for renewal. CoC's shall receive the higher of: (1) the preliminary pro rata need (PRN) or (2) the CoC hold harmless amount. In the past, HUD awarded a renewal adjustment when the amount needed to fund all eligible renewals for one year exceeded the preliminary pro rata need. An unintended consequence of this policy resulted in CoCs having to request renewal of projects that in their judgment did not best reflect the current needs of the community. CoCs receiving the CoC hold harmless amount will now have the opportunity to reallocate their PRN funds in order to create new permanent supportive housing projects. This will provide them with the same flexibility that CoCs without excessive SHP renewals have. See Section V.A.2.b of this program section for this significant change.
2. Samaritan Housing Initiative. The Samaritan Initiative (formerly known as the Permanent Housing Bonus) will be integrated into this NOFA as part of the larger CoC process and is only for projects serving exclusively chronically homeless persons. It is 15 percent of a CoC's preliminary PRN amount or $6 million, whichever is less. Applicants may use no more than 20 percent of this bonus for case management costs. See Section V.A.2.b(3) for additional information on this subject.
3. Grant Terms. The grant terms for all newly proposed SHP projects are two (2) or three (3) years. See Section II.A.3 for additional information on this subject.
4. Participant Eligibility for Permanent Housing. The only persons who may be served by permanent housing projects (both new and renewal) are those who come from the streets, emergency shelters, or transitional housing. People who are currently housed but may become homeless within seven days, remain eligible for transitional housing and emergency shelters. Please see Section III.C.2.a(3) and the Questions and Answers Supplement for further information.
5. Pro Rata Need. Any project not falling fully within the 40 need point range will receive 10 need points. Please see Section V.A.2.b(4) for more information.
6. Fair Market Rent (FMR) Updates. HUD will select projects using the FMRs in place at the time of application. HUD will then apply the FMRs in place at the time of award. See V.A.2.b(3) for more information.
7. Conducting Business In Accordance with Core Values and Ethical Standards. All applicants will be required, prior to entering into an agreement with HUD, to submit a copy of their Code of Conduct. Refer to the General Section for detailed instructions regarding this requirement.
8. Form HUD 96010, Logic Model. Applicants must submit a Logic Model for each project, new and renewal. Refer to the General Section for instructions and a copy of this form.
9. CoC Planning Process Organizations. A description of the "level of participation" has been included for the list of organizations involved in your CoC planning efforts. See Exhibit 1, Form HUD-40076 CoC-B.
10. The Discharge Planning Policy narrative has been replaced with a chart. See Exhibit 1, Form HUD-40076 CoC-D.
11. The Service Activity Chart has been streamlined to reflect an inventory of supportive services and the agencies providing these services. The description of planned services and how participants access/receive assistance is no longer required. See Exhibit 1, Form HUD-40076 CoC-F.
12. The Housing Gaps Analysis Chart has been eliminated. That information is now reported in the Housing Activity Charts, which have been substantially revised. See Exhibit 1, Form HUD-40076 CoC-G.
13. Participation in Energy Star. Form HUD-40076 CoC-H has been changed to capture CoCs' efforts to promote energy efficiency in HUD assisted programs. See Exhibit 1.
14. The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Section has been revised to capture more information on HMIS implementation efforts. See Exhibit 1, Form HUD-40076 CoC-J.
15. The Project Priorities Section has been updated to include a Reallocation Chart and required narrative response. See Exhibit 1, Form HUD-40076 CoC-K.
16. The Continuum of Care Use of Other Resources Chart has been eliminated.
17. Audits. The Reporting Section has been updated to reflect the requirement for annual audits for those grantees that expend more than $500,000 in Federal funds. See Section VI.C for additional information on this subject.
18. Appropriate Discharge Planning and Coordination and Integration of Mainstream Programs are still required, but the Special Project Certifications have been eliminated.
19. The "Housing Emphasis" scoring has been increased from 10 to 12 points. See Section V.A.2.a.(5) for additional information on this subject.
20. The "Performance Measurement" scoring has been increased from 5 to 8 points. See Section V.A.2.a.(6) for additional information on this subject.
21. The "Leveraging Supplemental Resources" scoring has been reduced from 13 to 8 points. See Section V.A.2.a.(4) for additional information on this subject.
22. The "Questions and Answers Supplement" should be thoroughly reviewed and is now available on the web at www.hud.gov.

Housing for People who are Homeless and Addicted to Alcohol

Approximately 10 two-year grants are expected to be awarded under a new $10 million Housing for People who are Homeless and Addicted to Alcohol initiative created by Congress in PL 108-7. This initiative is designed to provide supportive housing assistance to chronically homeless persons who have been living on the streets for at least 365 days over the last five years and have a long term addiction to alcohol (serial inebriates). To be eligible for assistance under this program, clients must be living on the streets at the time of initial contact and will have no history of living in transitional or permanent housing over the last five years. Grantees will be expected to partner with local law enforcement, court systems and other relevant institutions to identify eligible clients for the program. To be eligible for funding consideration, a project must be located within a Continuum of Care that has at least 100 people who are chronically homeless and unsheltered as reported by the Continuum of Care or a recent official count.

Although applicants will be expected to provide comprehensive alcohol treatment services and other relevant support services to clients, HUD funds may only be used for housing costs and it is expected that approximately half of the projects awarded will be project based and half tenant based. At the end of the two year demonstration, funded projects may be eligible to apply on a competitive basis as a renewal project through the Continuum of Care Supportive Housing Program-Permanent Housing.

The application due date is May 19. Electronic submission required unless waiver granted. See SuperNOFA for information about waivers.

National Governors Association Adopts Policy Statement Supporting Goal of Ending Chronic Homelessness and "Shared Responsibility" of Federal, State and Local Governments

At their just concluded annual Winter Meeting in Washington, the nation's Governors adopted a new policy statement on Affordable Housing, Homeless Assistance, and Community Development that supports the goal of ending chronic homelessness and "the efforts of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to create a working partnership that includes multiple federal agencies, states and localities."

The Policy Statement was drafted by the NGA's Economic Development and Commerce Committee chaired by South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford.

"The Governors support the goal of ending chronic homelessness and recognize the shared responsibility that local, state, and federal governments have in combating this social problem. This recognition of shared responsibility has been made tangible by the establishment of State Interagency Councils on Homelessness in 50 states and territories to date. These State Interagency Councils establish a framework at the highest level for coordinating and focusing state resources on performance-based and results-oriented policies to prevent and combat homelessness and for ensuring that the state government is coordinating its efforts effectively with the federal government and with local efforts including 10-Year planning efforts to end chronic homelessness.

The Governors support the efforts of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to create a working partnership that includes multiple federal agencies, states and localities. Programs that help states and localities invest in supportive housing for homeless persons with special needs must be adequately funded. The Governors recognize that ending homelessness contributes to economic development and improves the quality of life for everyone in the community."

Over $4 Billion Targeted for Homeless Assistance in President's FY 06 Budget

• Record level of funding represents an 8.5% increase over FY2005
• Includes up to $200 million for a Samaritan Housing Initiative targeted to permanent supportive housing for persons experiencing chronic homelessness.

In an otherwise austere budget in which funding for non-security related discretionary spending would be reduced by nearly 1 percent, total funding for targeted homeless assistance programs would increase by 8.5%. Of particular note is the request for up to $200 million for a Samaritan Housing Initiative targeted to permanent supportive housing for persons experiencing chronic homelessness, Altogether $1.44 billion is proposed for the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Homeless Assistance Grants program including the Samaritan Housing Initiative and $25 million for the housing portion of a $75 million multi-agency prisoner reentry initiative involving the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Labor ($35 million) and Justice ($15 million).

Under the President's FY 2006 budget proposal, the Health Care for the Homeless program would receive a 17.9% increase of $26.3 million. The Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans program would receive a 12.5% increase, and the Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program which supports employment programs for homeless veterans would also receive a small increase. The FY 2006 Budget also includes increased funding for the work of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

In addition to the McKinney-Vento targeted homeless assistance programs mentioned above, prevention of homelessness would be enhanced by investments in certain other U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Programs:

• $150 million - a 50% increase - is proposed for Access to Recovery vouchers for substance abuse treatment
• $2 billion is proposed for Community Health Centers in medically underserved areas, an increase of $304 million, completing the President's commitment made in 2001 to create 1200 new or expanded center sites to serve an additional 6.1 million people by 2006.
• $60 million, a $13 million increase, is proposed for Foster Care Independent Living Programs to achieve better outcomes for transitioning youth.

Read more about the President's FY 2006 Budget.

Mayors Sign New Covenant on Ending Chronic Homelessness

What began two years ago as an act of faith that partnership could trump partisanship on the issue of homelessness, when United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano partnered with the U.S. Conference of Mayors in issuing a challenge that 100 Mayors develop 10-Year Plans to End Chronic Homelessness, has grown into a national movement involving more than 175 cities and counties, big and small, from coast to coast. This week that movement took another step forward when 39 Mayors representing cities from Anchorage to Key West signed a Covenant of Partnership with each other and with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness agreeing to collaborate in the exchange of data, share best practices, and welcome other cities to join the collaboration. (See related e-news articles on the Covenant and its signatories.)

The signing of the Covenant took place at a meeting of the Hunger and Homelessness Task Force at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington. The Task Force, which in recent years has met only during the USCOM National Conference, met under the leadership of its Co-chairs Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell and Cedar Rapids Mayor Paul Pate, responding to the growing level of interest among Mayors in the 10-year planning effort. Planning is built on the premise that ending chronic homelessness across this nation is doable by building a partnership involving all levels of government, the private, philanthropic, faith based and business sectors, all working together to share and implement new evidence-based strategies which emphasize adopting effective prevention policies while making available permanent housing resources and treatment services for those already on the streets and in shelters.

Mayors who spoke during the Task Force meeting about their experience in leading a 10-year planning effort in their community included Gastonia, NC Mayor Jennifer Stultz, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, and Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum. Their endorsement along with other Mayors demonstrates that chronic homelessness is not contained in the large urban cities, but exists across America, and solutions are at hand when communities join this partnering effort. Mayor Blum was among those attending the meeting who indicated that they had originally been skeptical about the value of the planning process but were now ready to join the effort. Mayor Rybak noted that the federal initiative had 're-energized' mayors in their local efforts, creating what Mayor Newsom affirmed as "changed expectations."

Director Mangano expressed appreciation to Task Force Co-chairs Purcell and Pate for their leadership, not only in their own communities, but also within USCOM on this issue and acknowledged the help of USCOM Assistant Executive Director Gene Lowe. "Our collective efforts must and will lead to visible, measurable, and quantifiable change on the streets of our cities and in the lives of homeless people, " he indicated. Shown here are some of the Mayors who attended the Task Force convening.

Also attending in the Covenant event were 10-Year Plan leaders and public and private sector representatives of cities providing leadership in ending chronic homelessness, including: Philadelphia Deputy Managing Director Rob Hess and members of his staff, San Francisco Plan Chair Angela Alioto, San Diego Leadership Council Co-chair and San Diego County United Way President/CEO Fred Baranowski and consultant Hannah Cohen, Common Ground Community Founder and Executive Director Rosanne Haggerty.

Signatory Mayors to the Covenant are: Anchorage, Alaska Mayor Mark Begich, Asheville, North Carolina Mayor Charles Worley, Atlanta, Georgia Mayor Shirley Franklin, Augusta, Georgia Mayor Bob Young, Barranquitas, Puerto Rico Mayor Francisco Lopez, Burlington, Vermont Mayor Peter Clavelle, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Mayor and Task Force Co-chair Paul Pate, Charleston, South Carolina Mayor Joseph Riley, Chattanooga, Tennessee Mayor Bob Corker, Columbus, Ohio Mayor Michael Coleman, and Corozal, Puerto Rico Mayor Roberto Hernandez, and Denver, Colorado Mayor John Hickenlooper, Durham, North Carolina Mayor Bill Bell, Fairbanks, Alaska Mayor Steve Thompson, Fajardo, Puerto Rico Mayor Anibal Melendez, Frankfort, Kentucky Mayor William May, Gastonia, North Carolina Mayor Jennifer Stultz, Hartford, Connecticut Mayor Eddie Perez, Indianapolis, Indiana Mayor Bart Peterson, Key West, Florida Mayor Jimmy Weekley, Knoxville, Tennessee Mayor Bill Haslam, Miami, Florida Mayor Manuel Diaz, Minneapolis, Minnesota Mayor R.T. Rybak, Nashville, Tennessee Mayor and Task Force Co-chair Bill Purcell, Orocovis, Puerto Rico Mayor Jesus Berlingeri, Patillas, Puerto Rico Mayor Benjamin Cintron, Philadelphia Mayor John Street, Portsmouth, Virginia Mayor James Holley, and Richmond, California Mayor Irma Anderson, and Sacramento, California Mayor Heather Fargo, San Diego, California Mayor Richard Murphy, San Francisco, California Mayor Gavin Newsom, Santa Barbara, California Mayor Marty Blum, St. Paul, Minnesota Mayor Randy Kelly, Tallahassee, Florida Mayor John Marks, Topeka, Kansas Mayor James McClinton, Waukegan, Illinois Mayor Richard Hyde, Winston-Salem, North Carolina Mayor James Joines, and Yauco, Puerto Rico Mayor Abel Nazario.

10-Year Plans are Focus in Aloha State

10-Year Plans to End Chronic Homelessness were the topic in mayoral offices across Hawaii last week, as United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Executive Director Philip Mangano, in the Aloha State for the unveiling of the state's 10-Year Plan, also met with Hawaii's four Mayors and encouraged and heard from each their commitment to move forward in partnership with the state. Director Mangano met with Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa, who expressed his concern about homelessness in his county, and with Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, who described County data showing that 1,200 people are homeless and 40% are at risk in Hawaii County.

Newly inaugurated Honolulu County Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who had already committed to move forward with a 10-Year Plan, committed to work in partnership with Governor Lingle, as did Kauai County Mayor Bryan Baptiste. Council Region IX Coordinator Eduardo Cabrera joined in the mayoral meetings, as well as organizing visits to federally funded sites for the Social Security Administration’s HOPE award and the Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project. Pictured here is Director Mangano with Mayor Arakawa, Maui County CDBG Program Coordinator Agnes Hayashi, Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center Director Charlie Ridings, and Maui County Homeless Coordinator Rudy Esquere. HUD CPD Director Mark Chandler also participated in the Honolulu meeting with Mayor Hannemann.

While in the state, Director Mangano met with Senator J. Kalani English, whose 6th Senate District includes Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Lana'i , Kaho'olawe, and Moloka'i, former site of a leper colony.

Read about 10-Year Plans

Duluth Mayor First in 2005 to Commit to 10-Year Plan

Duluth, Minnesota, Mayor Herb Bergson

"The vision for Duluth that we all foresee is within our grasp, and we'll be prouder than ever to call Duluth our home -- a home where everyone is welcome." So stated Duluth, Minnesota, Mayor Herb Bergson in his 2005 State of the City address this week, as he committed to make homelessness and hunger the focus of his second year as Mayor. Mayor Bergson named new St. Louis County Commissioner Steve O'Neil and retired University of Minnesota Duluth social work professor Joyce Kramer to chair the new Mayor's Community Action Committee on Homelessness, which will develop a 10-Year Plan for Duluth. Mayor Bergson becomes the first mayor of 2005 to commit to a 10-year planning process. He called on the faith community to play a special role in ending homelessness in Duluth and also announced a special endowment fund for the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank to create end hunger in Duluth. Finally, the Mayor said he will renew Duluth's commitment to address housing needs through the Duluth Housing 1000 Campaign, a coalition working to generate 1,000 additional housing units by 2010.

Mayor Bergson becomes the first mayor of 2005 to commit to a 10-year planning process. He called on the faith community to play a special role in ending homelessness in Duluth and also announced a special endowment fund for the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank to create end hunger in Duluth. Finally, the Mayor said he will renew Duluth's commitment to address housing needs through the Duluth Housing 1000 Campaign, a coalition working to generate 1,000 additional housing units by 2010.

Read the list of 10-Year Plans

2004 - A Year of Increased Hope and Accomplishment

"Across our country, there is new planning going on at every level of government and in every sector - private, non-profit, business, faith-based and philanthropic. We are moving beyond being demoralized by failures of the past, to being remoralized by plans for the future.

We are beginning to change the verb of homelessness in this country. For 20 years we've been managing homelessness. Now the commitment is to move beyond managing to ending the disgrace. What we're looking for on this issue of homelessness all across our country is visible, measurable, quantifiable change. On our streets. In our communities. And in the lives of homeless people."
       -- ICH Executive Director Philip Mangano

US Interagency Council on Homelessness April 1 Meeting

Federal Activities

In 2004, federal agencies continued to focus resources on preventing homelessness and on realizing the President’s goal of ending chronic homelessness, collaborating at an unprecedented level:

Council Meetings

The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (Council), comprised of 20 Cabinet Secretaries and agency directors held two formal meetings at the White House this year. On April 1, the Council met in the historic Indian Treaty Room where Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi became the first Veterans Affairs Secretary to assume chairmanship of the Council. $30 million in new federal investments were announced at the meeting showcasing innovative approaches to preventing and ending chronic homelessness. These new resources reflect policies to prevent homelessness by more effective targeting of funding for young people aging out of foster care, those in need of mental health, primary health care and substance abuse treatment, and for those exiting prisons and jails.

On September 29 the Council held its 6th Cabinet- level meeting since being revitalized in 2002 and announced over $160 million in new federal resources to prevent and end chronic homelessness and continued activity to support and improve outcomes from programs already in place.

More information about the Council meetings can be found in the 2004 archives. See link at bottom of Resources to Note box.

Some other examples of federal agency collaborations include:

• During 2004, the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs and Labor held a seventh Policy Academy through which states are offered expertise and peer-to-peer learning opportunities on maximizing availability and accessibility of resources for homeless persons. Five of the seven Policy Academies have focused on helping persons experiencing chronic homelessness access mainstream resources; the remaining two had homeless families as their focus.

  l-r ICH Executive Director Mangano, Secretaries Principi, Thompson, Jackson and Paige

  A National Learning Meeting was held in October to showcase innovative approaches the states have implemented, to provide additional opportunity for peer to peer technical assistance and to determine what further assistance would be helpful to states in implementing their state plans. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within HHS, maintains a website on the Policy Academies. The Department of Education has announced that it will be joining the collaboration beginning next year.

• The VA, Department of Labor, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (now part of the Department of Homeland Security) are supporting community-based Stand Down events across the country to assist homeless veterans. During these Stand Down events, homeless veterans are provided with health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to housing, employment and treatment.

• The Administration for Children and Families, an agency within HHS, is coordinating a study with the Council on Promising Strategies to End Youth Homelessnes. This study will identify and assess a wide range of practices that show promise for helping young people find appropriate living situations leading to adult independence, especially those youth who have been in foster care or other community care systems.

• In September the Department of Justice convened the first ever National Conference on Offender Re-entry. The Offender Re-entry initiative is a collaboration of DOJ with the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Commerce, Education and Labor designed to assist states identify those who are at risk of homelessness upon release from prison and provide preventive services which have been shown to reduce the likelihood of persons returning to prison. The Department of Justice re-entry webpage at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/reentry/.

These are just some of many federal agency collaborations that are occurring in addition to individual agency initiatives. More information about agency homelessness prevention and intervention activities can be found on their websites which are easily linked to from this page, using the agency listing on the left hand column.

ICH e-newsletter

In March, the Council began distribution of a weekly e-newsletter to share information on innovative initiatives to prevent and end homelessness and the developing partnerships with state and local governments to establish State Interagency Councils and city/county 10-Year Plans to End Chronic Homelessness . Another regular feature of the e-newsletter is a link to the weekly Federal Register listing of Title V surplus properties. As we approach the New Year, over 6000 people are receiving the e-newsletter. You will find a subscription link on the bottom of the Resources section on this webpage. Issues of the e-newsletter are archived on the website- see bottom of Resources section. More detailed information about Innovative Initiatives described in the e-newsletter can be found under the INNOVATIONS tab above. Issues of the e-newsletter are archived on the website- see Resources section on upper right. More detailed information about innovations described in the e-newsletter can be found under the Funding tab above.

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper testifies at Samaritan Initiative hearings with ICH Executive Director Philip Mangano

Chronic Homelessness Collaborative Initiative Update and Samaritan Initiative Legislation

Among the unfinished business of the 108th Congress was final action on the Administration's proposed Samaritan Initiative legislation. Introduced in the House of Representatives in March by Arizona Congressman Rick Renzi (HR 4057) and in the Senate in September by Colorado Senator Wayne Allard and North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole (S 2829), the legislation received a hearing in the House but no other action before the Congress adjourned. A link to ICH Executive Director Philip Mangano's testimony before the Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee in support of the Samaritan Initiative legislation can be found in the Resources To Note box on this page.

The legislation would have refined and expanded the historic 2003 collaboration among the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs which provided funding to 11 community collaborations through a single grant application for integrated housing, supportive services and veterans case management to disabled long term homeless men and women. To date, the eleven collaborative initiative sites have ended the homelessness of over 475 men and women who had nearly 3000 years of homelessness among them. This year the Department of Health and Human Services announced it was increasing its supportive services funding of these collaborative initiatives sites to nearly $31 million over 3 years. The supportive services funded by HHS include primary health care, mental health and substance abuse treatment.

The Samaritan Initiative legislation was supported by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, National Association of Counties. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, National Alliance to End Homelessness, Corporation for Supportive Housing, The Enterprise Foundation, National Aids Housing Coalition, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

State Interagency Councils on Homelessness

ICH Executive Director Philip Mangano meets with Maine Governor John Baldacci

There are now 50 Governors of states and territories committed to establishing State Interagency Councils on Homelessness. Copies of many of the Executive Orders can be found on this website under the State and Local Tab. These state interagency councils are important because they bring together the state agencies, and in some cases representatives of the state legislatures, to examine state policies and funding that impact on homelessness. These state interagency councils mirror the work the Council is doing on the federal level to make available resources in a more accessible way for homeless people.

Tucson Mayor Robert Walkup announcing Tucson will develop a 10-Year Plan

Knoxville/Knox County TN are among the 170 jurisdictions developing 10-Year Plans. Shown here is Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam with ICH Executive Director Philip Mangano.

10-Year Plans to End Chronic Homelessness

Homelessness is a national problem with local solutions. No one federal agency, no one level of government and no one sector of the community can reach the goal of preventing and ending homelessness alone. Federal agency collaborations and partnerships with state and local governments and the private and faith based sectors are key to achieving the goal.

In January 2003, ICH Executive Director Philip Mangano stood before the plenary session of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and challenged the Conference to commit to developing 100 jurisdictional 10-year plans in a year. Today, 170 mayors and county executives are leading the way in garnering the resources in their community - non profits, business, hospitals and other health care providers, law enforcement , downtown business improvement districts, faith based organizations, philanthropy, and the United Way - to create plans that are performance driven and results oriented. From the nation's capital, Washington DC, to the nation's largest city, New York, to the city with the most visible homeless problem, San Francisco, to mid size communities including Akron, Des Moines, Winston-Salem, to the rural Appalachian areas of Tennessee, 10-Year Plans are being developed and implemented.

These jurisdictional 10-Year Planning efforts are succeeding in fostering strategic partnerships between unlikely stakeholders who share the same objectives-moving people off the streets and out of shelters, improving quality of life for the individuals and for the community at large, and investing in cost-saving strategies. The plans vary according to community needs but have common elements that include quantifying the need and redirecting resources away from temporary fixes toward prevention and permanent housing solutions.