WASHINGTON, DC. President Barack Obama yesterday signed new federal legislation that reauthorizes the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance programs for the first time in almost two decades. The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act included provisions regarding the homeless programs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness that have long been the focus of Congress and the Federal agencies.

" . . . because far too many Americans go homeless on any given night, this bill provides comprehensive new resources for homeless Americans, focusing specifically on families with children, the fastest- growing segment of the homeless population," said the President. The larger housing bill incorporated the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act which now has an authorization level of $2.2 billion. Given the more than a decade of work that went into the new law which emerged this year with the leadership of Senators Jack Reed and Christopher Bond and Representatives Barney Frank and Maxine Waters, new strategies in preventing and needing homelessness that have been documented as best practices have been incorporated in the new law, including a focus on local planning and performance, and the creation of incentives for adopting proven strategies.

Prevention strategies will expand through changing the existing HUD Emergency Shelter Grants Program to a new Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program and consolidate the HUD competitive homeless programs. Housing emphasis in the new approach includes requiring HUD to provide incentives for family rapid re-housing strategies, and targets 30% of funds for permanent housing solutions for families and individuals with disabilities. The new law also makes changes to the definition of chronic homelessness by adding families, and expands the availability of resources to doubled-up and other profiles of homeless and at-risk people. New rural strategies will be available to meet the special needs identified in those communities. HUD has until late 2010 to implement these changes.

The Interagency Council's membership was made current in statute, with the addition of members that had been added by the Council as affiliates since the last authorization. The Council's mission was also modernized to reflect coordination of the federal response and the national partnership of government and the private sector. The law also affirms the Council's successful initiative to establish State Interagency Councils on Homelessness in every state as partners to federal and local efforts and encouragement of the Council's successful work to create jurisdictional 10 Year Plans to End Homelessness in states, cities, and counties. Additional statutory authorities now include research, evaluation, and development of joint federal initiatives.

DENVER, COLORADO. "The most important thing we've learned, is A: It's possible to succeed at this; and B: To do so makes economic sense," said Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper as he gave a Year 4 progress report on The Road Home, Denver's Ten Year Plan. More than 1,500 housing units have been created, keeping the city moving ahead on its Ten Year Plan goal of 3,000 units in a decade.

Over 65 new housing units are opening this week at the Aromor building, a vacant site purchased by Mercy Housing Colorado from the Denver Housing Authority and to which it added Section 8 vouchers, private donations and its own funding to create supportive housing. Mayor Hickenlooper joined Mercy Housing CEO Sister Lillian Murphy, RSM, Mercy Housing Colorado President Jennifer Erixon and representatives from several organizations, including the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, to celebrate the dedication of the property and help "dress" each apartment, hanging shower curtains, making beds, dressing kitchens and bathrooms, and decorating halls and common spaces.

"The Aromor is an important milestone for Denver's Road Home," Mayor Hickenlooper said. "It is a tangible demonstration of what happens when the public, private and nonprofit sectors come together to form strategic partnerships." The Aromor relied on a $1.5 million donation from Quiznos founder Richard Schaden and family, including $500,000 to support ongoing services.

Detox admissions for homeless substance abusers fall 84 percent when they are targeted for housing and services, said Jamie Van Leeuwen, a Denver Department of Human Services official who is manager of Denver's Road Home. Those homeless were each averaging 70 detox admissions a year, which means the savings are substantial. Jail intakes of Denver homeless, meanwhile, are down 22 percent over the past two years. "In this economy, there's never been a better time to have a plan," Van Leeuwen said. "We know how to use that stimulus money. We wrote this plan four years ago to be shovel-ready."

Senior Support Services' Senior Studios opened in April with 18 units for homeless seniors. Trammel Crow and Catholic Charities will open Broadway Junction at Broadway and Mississippi at Gates Redevelopment site in June. They will offer 25 units for homeless individuals and small families. Rocky Mt Housing Development Corporation and St. Francis will complete the Cornerstone Apartments at Park Avenue West and Curtis. This building will open in September and offer 50 units. The Denver Housing Authority continues to honor their commitment of public housing and Section 8 vouchers. Currently 74 families and individuals are being selected for Section 8 vouchers.

Denver's Road Home "participate" web site to engage partners also recently won a Webby Award. Webby Awards are given in 125 categories for content, structure, navigation, visual design, and overall experience. Almost 10,000 entries from 60 countries were judged this year.

REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA. Supervisor and President of the Board of Supervisors Mark Church and San Mateo Supervisor Carole Groom this week announced the first decrease in homelessness in their community from the results of the 2009 point-in- time count. The city and county, which are implementing the Housing Our People Effectively (HOPE) Ten Year Plan, which was launched in 2006 and emphasizes prevention and rapid rehousing, documented a 27% decrease in people living on the streets, in vehicles, and in encampments between 2007 and 2009. An overall 13% decrease in homelessness was also documented.

At a press event in at the Board of Supervisors Chambers in Redwood City, Supervisor Groom signed the America's Road Home Statement of Principles and Actions, thereby joining Board President Church and the more than 450 other elected signatories to the agreement. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Regional Coordinator Ed Cabrera joined the officials for the announcement.

Pictured here are (left to right): Supervisor Church, President of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and Co-Chair of HOPE (Housing Our People Effectively) Ending Homelessness in San Mateo County; Mr. Cabrera; Wendy Goldberg, Manager, San Mateo County Center on Homelessness (county point person); San Mateo County Sup. Carole Groom (former San Mateo City Councilor who succeeded Sup. Jerry Hill) and Co- Chair of HOPE; and Debbie Torres, Director, Prevention and Early Intervention, San Mateo County Human Services Agency.

AUGUSTA, MAINE. The first statewide cost study of homelessness and housing in rural areas was released this week when the State of Maine unveiled the results of research on the cost and frequency of services used by people with disabilities who were homeless before entering a permanent housing program. Rural homeless people with disabilities who retained permanent, supportive housing accounted for a decrease in costs of 32%. The study also reported a 57% reduction in the cost of mental health services over a six-month period. Part of that reduction was a dramatic 79% drop in the cost of psychiatric hospitalization, from $452,800 to $96,641.

Other reductions included a 95% decrease in incarceration costs and a 32% decline in ambulance transportation costs. Homeless people who obtain supportive housing avoid returning to emergency housing, cutting emergency shelter costs by 99%. Total costs, including that of providing the permanent supportive housing, were lower for people living in supportive housing by $1,348 per person. That is a total savings of nearly $220,000 over 6 months for the 163 people in the study. The great majority of participants (97%) have severe mental illness; more than a third also suffer from chronic alcohol or drug abuse.

According to the researchers, this study is the first to use data collected on: individual service contacts and cost while homeless and subsequent cost and contacts while in permanent supportive housing. Unlike previous studies which were limited to estimated costs of key services, this study used specific billing and contact records creating an accurate picture of expenditures and sources of funds used to serve homeless and housed individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the study participants were drawn from the entire population of previously homeless persons with a disability living in permanent supportive housing. Unlike most previous studies, this study was not limited to individuals who were chronically homelessness or high users of hospital services. Therefore a complete and accurate indicator of cost to communities and the State in serving people with a disability was achieved.

Researchers noted the importance of political will in the execution of such a study, in gaining "the support of the highest level staff in the state or local authorities who control the necessary data. Access to Medicaid data and data from institutions often requires clear mandates from those with decision-making authority."

The study was sponsored by the Corporation for Supportive Housing, MaineHousing, and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The study was prepared by Melany Mondello of Shalom House; Jon Bradley of Preble Street; and Tom Chalmers McLaughlin, PhD. and Nancy Shore, PhD., both from the University of New England. The 163 participants in the study were chosen from all areas of the state, except Greater Portland.

"This study shows that providing permanent housing and services to people with mental illness or substance abuse issues is cost-effective, even in rural settings," said Nancy Fritz, Director of Homeless Initiatives for Governor John Baldacci. "It offers clients a higher level of personal stability."

MaineHousing Director Dale McCormick said the findings provide a winning strategy for Maine. "Providing permanent housing saves the taxpayer money and improves the lives of people who are homeless in rural Maine," McCormick said. "Everyone benefits."

Income increased on average by 77 percent. The number of study participants reporting that they had no income declined from 41 percent to 17 percent. This study mirrors findings of a 2007 study of homelessness in Greater Portland. That study found it was less expensive to provide permanent housing and services to homeless people with disabilities than to serve them through emergency shelters.

REDDING, CALIFORNIA. Redding Mayor Rick Bosetti and local partners from the City of Redding, Shasta County, the Redding Chamber of Commerce, and the Shasta Community Health Center this week welcomed over 450 homeless neighbors to the inaugural Project Homeless Connect event in the region. The one-day, one-stop convened at the Redding Convention Center with a volunteer rally. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Regional Coordinator Ed Cabrera joined the community for the event. Gerard Kersten, Director of Support Services for the City of Redding welcomed volunteers. Kevin White, Community Relations Director of the Good News Rescue Mission emceed the rally.

"The City of Redding and Shasta County will be proclaiming May 2009 as Project Homeless Connect Month," stated Mayor Bosetti and Supervisor Hawes in a joint letter of invitation they sent to stakeholders and volunteers throughout the community. "The event promises to catalyze community involvement, generating new partnerships, commitment, and investment for promoting self-sufficiency."

With the help of hundreds of community volunteers and professional service providers, guests were offered live music, a free BBQ, medical exams, dental check-ups and services, vision care, hot meals, haircuts, bike repair, ID assistance, VA information, social service benefits and much more. Over 60 local service agencies were on-site to provide information on housing, employment, education, legal counsel, addiction treatment, and a variety of services available for youth, families, seniors and veterans. Throughout the day, free round-trip transportation was provided by local organizations to guests attending the event from various locations city-wide, including Anderson and Shasta Lake City.

"It's one-stop shopping," said Frank Strazzarino, President of the Redding Chamber of Commerce. One guest offered an example of the easy access to services. The guest, who was living in his car, took advantage of ever-popular haircut services, and was able to connect with veterans officials and the Social Security office as well as acquire a new photo ID, a birth certificate, and a studio picture of himself to give to his niece.

75 guests had vision assessments, and over 60 of them received glasses. Over 115 guests were assessed for mental health issues. Over 25 clients were assessed and deemed eligible for VA services. 84 guests were assisted with job placements. 68 disabled clients received housing counseling, and 40 received living skills vouchers. Over 130 guests received haircuts. 10 bikes were given out, 14 bikes repaired, and 14 locks given away. Over 50 guests were set up with voicemail. Shown here is some of the "mobile hospitality" on site.

Among those providing services were Shasta County agencies for adult probation, housing, mental health, education, public health, social services, vital statistics, and Head Start.

The Social Security Administration processed applications for SSI/SSDI and Social Security cards as well as status requests. The Department of Veterans Affairs enrolled veterans in VA healthcare and connected them to social workers to access services. VA also offered assistance with accessing benefits, employment and training, loans, and other services.

Don Meek, Director of the Redding and Shasta County Homeless Continuum of Care Council, said the Project Homeless Connect event was based on some of the more than 200 other such community models that have been adopted. Mr. Meek and Interagency Council Regional Coordinator Ed Cabrera are shown here.

CHATTANOOGA WELCOMES NEIGHBORS FOR PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT. Chattanooga, Tennessee hosted homeless neighbors last week at the First Tennessee pavilion, where Mayor Ron Littlefield and United States Interagency Council on Homelessness National Team Leader Michael German welcomed guests. Mayor Littlefield (center) and Mr. German (at right) are shown here. While visiting Chattanooga, Mr. German also toured the Farmer's Market site, where Mayor Littlefield and the Ten Year Plan partners are underway with a transformation of the area to a one-stop campus.

In 2006, Mayor Littlefield launched an initiative to provide centralized services at the site when the City Council supported the purchase of the old Farmers' Market property for $775,000. Work is now underway on the new 6,000-square-foot facility for the Interfaith Homeless Network (see related story) and the Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency's new transportation and training facility. The Chattanooga Community Kitchen, located across the street, will open a newly renovated day room and thrift store at the site, and United Way will locate a furniture bank there.

WASHINGTON, DC. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) this week announced the release of $1.79 billion to ensure access to care and medication for people living with HIV/AIDS. The grants are funded through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which helps more than 529,000 individuals every year obtain the care and services they need to live longer, healthier lives.

"These grants will provide state-of-the-art treatment for people currently in care and critical services to newly diagnosed individuals who are being brought into care," said Jeffrey S. Crowley, Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy. "The care and services these grants will support can help Americans living with HIV/AIDS to live longer, healthier lives."

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within HHS, oversees the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which provides funding for health services for people who lack sufficient health care coverage or financial resources to cope with HIV disease.

More than $1.16 billion will be sent to states and territories under Part B of the Ryan White program, with $780 million of that total earmarked for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Another $41 million in ADAP funds was distributed through competitive supplemental grants. A total of $590 million will pay for primary care and support services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS under Part A of the Ryan White program. Part A awards are distributed to eligible metropolitan areas (EMAs) with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS and to transitional grant areas (TGAs) experiencing increases in HIV/AIDS cases and emerging care needs.

Almost $49 million will fund early intervention services that support medical, nutritional, psychosocial and other treatments for HIV-positive individuals. These grants, awarded under Part C of the program, go to community-based organizations such as health centers and nonprofit providers of primary health care for people living with HIV. Part C grants also may be used to hire case managers to help patients access care and remain in treatment.

Seventy-five percent of Part A, B and C funds must be spent on "core medical services," which include outpatient health services, drug assistance, health insurance payments and medical nutrition therapy. The remaining 25 percent pays for support services that help people living with HIV/AIDS achieve desired medical outcomes. These services include respite care, medical transportation and linguistic services.

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE. Komatsu, a heavy equipment manufacturer with a large facility in Chattanooga, was facing a slow production period when management found a philanthropic strategy to keep their workers busy and employed and put their job skills to use. Many Komatsu workers volunteered to help build the Interfaith Homeless Network Family Day Center, scheduled to be completed in the fall.

"It's a win-win situation in a losing economy as Chattanooga and the homeless families of IHN get the help they need, and the workers keep jobs they don't want to lose," said Don Russell, senior manager of manufacturing. "A segment of our workers helped with philanthropic work until plant production started again in early March."

"We have a workforce of outstanding employees, and we want to keep them," he continued. "This is a way for the company to give back to a community that has been very supportive of Komatsu." Komatsu workers cut studs and framed walls of the IHN Family Day Center.

"If home is where the heart is, then IHN has the biggest heart in helping families find homes for the last 10 years," said Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield. "Chattanooga is so proud of how IHN is using this site and serving homeless families here and in partnership with other organizations and congregations throughout the City," Mayor Littlefield continued. Mayor Littlefield is shown above when he visited the site to thank the volunteer workers.

IHN Executive Director Mary Ellen Galloway said that the "raising of the walls" marked the first concrete sign that the long-awaited IHN Day Center is becoming a reality.

Following the IHN model, the Family Day Center for homeless families will be a place where children play, homework happens and small children nap. In partnership with congregations of all faith traditions, the mission of the Interfaith Homeless Network is to assist homeless families achieve and sustain stability and self-sufficiency by providing shelter, meals, supportive services, follow-up and links to housing and community resources.

Services offered at the Day Center include: a reading room, classroom and homework room complete with an after-school tutoring program and a partnership with Read A Loud Chattanooga; a nap room, indoor and outdoor play area for children; laundry and shower facilities, along with a kitchen that features Chattanooga Food Bank's Kids Café; a classroom/training room to provide computers and other equipment for job-training classes for parents; access to employment assistance; a possible GED program; and education classes in parenting, financial management, nutrition, healthy cooking, shopping on a budget, fitness and wellness; an IHN resource center and Volunteer Center will be available to help homeless families enroll in programs such as the Families First Program, Food Stamps and TennCare; and space for social service representatives to meet on site with homeless families.

WITH THIS ISSUE, the e-newsletter continues its series of reports on veterans' Stand Down events around the country, including many events planned over the summer months. Stand Downs are community- based events targeted to homeless veterans and designed to offer a welcoming atmosphere, a safe gathering place, and easy access to a broad range of services for homeless veterans. Stand Downs are derived from the military practice of 'standing down" from customary activity or the front line.

Community volunteers are encouraged to take part in these events. Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site to identify a contact for each of the events listed here.

May 28: Dayton, OH
May 30: Lancaster, CA
June 5-6: Kansas City, MO
June 11: Pine Ridge, SD
June 12-13: Chicago, IL
June 19: Worcester, MA
June 27: Lauderhill, FL
July 11: Bonner County, WA
July 17-19: San Diego, CA
July 24-26: Ventura, CA
July 9: Hampstead, NY
July 9: Macon, GA
August 14: Grand Rapids, MI
August 15: Hamilton, MT
August 22: Lancaster, CA
August 28: Duluth, MN
August 28-29: Dorchester, MA
August 29: Post Falls, ID
August 29-30: Anaconda, MT

email: usich@usich.gov

web: http://www.usich.gov