Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to design national strategies for providing services in supportive housing that will assist in ending chronic homelessness and to implement programs that address chronic homelessness.
Requires the Secretary to make matching grants to eligible entities to provide services that promote recovery and self-sufficiency and that address barriers to housing stability to chronically homeless individuals in, or who are scheduled to become residents of, permanent supportive housing and to other individuals and families who have voluntarily chosen to seek other housing opportunities after a period of tenancy in supportive housing.
Directs the Secretary to require grantees to report data regarding the performance outcomes of projects carried out under this Act, which shall include measuring and reporting specific performance outcomes related to the long-term goals of: (1) increasing stability within the community for people who have been chronically homeless; and (2) decreasing recurrence of periods of homelessness.
[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 709 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 709
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program to
provide supportive services in permanent supportive housing for
chronically homeless individuals, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 5, 2005
Mr. DeWine (for himself, Mr. Reed, Mr. Burr, and Mr. Dodd) introduced
the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program to
provide supportive services in permanent supportive housing for
chronically homeless individuals, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Services for Ending Long-Term
Homelessness Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Nationally, there are approximately 200,000 to 250,000
people who experience chronic homelessness, including some
families with children. Chronically homeless people often live
in shelters or on the streets for years at a time, experience
repeated episodes of homelessness without achieving housing
stability, or cycle between homelessness, jails, mental health
facilities, and hospitals.
(2) The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health
recommended the development and implementation of a
comprehensive plan designed to facilitate access to 150,000
units of permanent supportive housing for consumers and
families who are chronically homeless. The Commission found
that affordable housing alone is insufficient for many people
with severe mental illness, and that flexible, mobile,
individualized support services are also necessary to support
and sustain consumers in their housing.
(3) Congress and the President have set a goal of ending
chronic homelessness in 10 years.
(4) Permanent supportive housing is a proven and cost
effective solution to chronic homelessness. A recent study by
the University of Pennsylvania found that each unit of
supportive housing for homeless people with mental illness in
New York City resulted in public savings of $16,281 per year in
systems of care such as mental health, human services, health
care, veterans' affairs, and corrections.
(5) Current programs for funding services in permanent
supportive housing, other than those administered by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development, were not designed
to be closely coordinated with housing resources, nor were they
designed to meet the multiple needs of people who are
chronically homeless.
SEC. 3. DUTIES OF ADMINISTRATOR OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES ADMINISTRATION.
Section 501(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
290aa(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (17), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (18), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(19) collaborate with Federal departments and programs
that are part of the President's Interagency Council on
Homelessness, particularly the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, the Department of Labor, and the Department of
Veterans Affairs, and with other agencies within the Department
of Health and Human Services, particularly the Health Resources
and Services Administration, the Administration on Children and
Families, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,
to design national strategies for providing services in
supportive housing that will assist in ending chronic
homelessness and to implement programs that address chronic
homelessness.''.
SEC. 4. GRANTS FOR SERVICES FOR CHRONICALLY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING.
Title V of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa et seq.)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``PART J--GRANTS FOR SERVICES TO END CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
``SEC. 596. GRANTS FOR SERVICES TO END CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to entities
described in paragraph (2) for the purpose of carrying out
projects to provide the services described in subsection (d) to
chronically homeless individuals in permanent supportive
housing.
``(2) Eligible entities.--For purposes of paragraph (1), an
entity described in this paragraph is--
``(A) a State or political subdivision of a State,
an Indian tribe or tribal organization, or a public or
nonprofit private entity, including a community-based
provider of homelessness services, health care,
housing, or other services important to individuals
experiencing chronic homelessness; or
``(B) a consortium composed of entities described
in subparagraph (A), which consortium includes a public
or nonprofit private entity that serves as the lead
applicant and has responsibility for coordinating the
activities of the consortium.
``(b) Priorities.--In making grants under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall give priority to applicants demonstrating that the
applicants--
``(1) target funds to individuals or families who--
``(A) have been homeless for longer periods of time
or have experienced more episodes of homelessness than
are required to meet the definition of chronic
homelessness under this section;
``(B) have high rates of utilization of emergency
public systems of care; or
``(C) have a history of interactions with law
enforcement and the criminal justice system;
``(2) have greater funding commitments from State or local
government agencies responsible for overseeing mental health
treatment, substance abuse treatment, medical care, and
employment (including commitments to provide Federal funds in
accordance with subsection (e)(2)(B)(ii));
``(3) will provide for an increase in the number of units
of permanent supportive housing that would serve chronically
homeless individuals in the community as a result of an award
of a grant under subsection (a); and
``(4) have demonstrated experience providing services to
address the mental health and substance abuse problems of
chronically homeless individuals living in permanent supportive
housing settings.
``(c) Geographic Distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure that
consideration is given to geographic distribution (such as urban and
rural areas) in the awarding of grants under subsection (a).
``(d) Services.--The services referred to in subsection (a) are the
following:
``(1) Services provided by the grantee or by qualified
subcontractors that promote recovery and self-sufficiency and
address barriers to housing stability, including but not
limited to the following:
``(A) Mental health services, including treatment
and recovery support services.
``(B) Substance abuse treatment and recovery
support services, including counseling, treatment
planning, recovery coaching, and relapse prevention.
``(C) Integrated, coordinated treatment and
recovery support services for co-occurring disorders.
``(D) Health education, including referrals for
medical and dental care.
``(E) Services designed to help individuals make
progress toward self-sufficiency and recovery,
including benefits advocacy, money management, life-
skills training, self-help programs, and engagement and
motivational interventions.
``(F) Parental skills and family support.
``(G) Case management.
``(H) Other supportive services that promote an end
to chronic homelessness.
``(I) Coordination or partnership with other
agencies, programs, or mainstream benefits to maximize
the availability of services and resources to meet the
needs of chronically homeless persons living in
supportive housing using cost-effective approaches that
avoid duplication.
``(J) Data collection and measuring performance
outcomes as specified in subsection (k).
``(2) Services, as described in paragraph (1), that are
delivered to individuals and families who are chronically
homeless and who are scheduled to become residents of permanent
supportive housing within 90 days pending the location or
development of an appropriate unit of housing.
``(3) For individuals and families who are otherwise
eligible, and who have voluntarily chosen to seek other housing
opportunities after a period of tenancy in supportive housing,
services, as described in paragraph (1), that are delivered,
for a period of 90 days after exiting permanent supportive
housing or until the individuals have transitioned to
comprehensive services adequate to meet their current needs,
provided that the purpose of the services is to support the
individuals in their choice to transition into housing that is
responsive to their individual needs and preferences.
``(e) Matching Funds.--
``(1) In general.--A condition for the receipt of a grant
under subsection (a) is that, with respect to the cost of the
project to be carried out by an applicant pursuant to such
subsection, the applicant agree as follows:
``(A) In the case of the initial grant pursuant to
subsection (j)(1)(A), the applicant will, in accordance
with paragraphs (2) and (3), make available
contributions toward such costs in an amount that is
not less than $1 for each $3 of Federal funds provided
in the grant.
``(B) In the case of a renewal grant pursuant to
subsection (j)(1)(B), the applicant will, in accordance
with paragraphs (2) and (3), make available
contributions toward such costs in an amount that is
not less than $1 for each $1 of Federal funds provided
in the grant.
``(2) Source of contribution.--For purposes of paragraph
(1), contributions made by an applicant are in accordance with
this paragraph if made as follows:
``(A) The contribution is made from funds of the
applicant or from donations from public or private
entities.
``(B) Of the contribution--
``(i) not less than 80 percent is from non-
Federal funds; and
``(ii) not more than 20 percent is from
Federal funds provided under programs that--
``(I) are not expressly directed at
services for homeless individuals, but
whose purposes are broad enough to
include the provision of a service or
services described in subsection (d) as
authorized expenditures under such
program; and
``(II) do not prohibit Federal
funds under the program from being used
to provide a contribution that is
required as a condition for obtaining
Federal funds.
``(3) Determination of amount contributed.--Contributions
required in paragraph (1) may be in cash or in kind, fairly
evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services. Amounts
provided by the Federal Government, or services assisted or
subsidized to any significant extent by the Federal Government,
may not be included in determining the amount of non-Federal
contributions required in paragraph (2)(B)(i).
``(f) Administrative Expenses.--A condition for the receipt of a
grant under subsection (a) is that the applicant involved agree that
not more than 10 percent of the grant will be expended for
administrative expenses with respect to the grant. Expenses for data
collection and measuring performance outcomes as specified in
subsection (k) shall not be considered as administrative expenses
subject to the limitation in this subsection.
``(g) Certain Uses of Funds.--Notwithstanding other provisions of
this section, a grantee under subsection (a) may expend not more than
20 percent of the grant to provide the services described in subsection
(d) to homeless individuals who are not chronically homeless.
``(h) Application for Grant.--A grant may be made under subsection
(a) only if an application for the grant is submitted to the Secretary
and the application is in such form, is made in such manner, and
contains such agreements, assurances, and information as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to carry out this section.
``(i) Certain Requirements.--A condition for the receipt of a grant
under subsection (a) is that the applicant involved demonstrate the
following:
``(1) The applicant and all direct providers of services
have the experience, infrastructure, and expertise needed to
ensure the quality and effectiveness of services, which may be
demonstrated by any of the following:
``(A) Compliance with all local, city, county, or
State requirements for licensing, accreditation, or
certification (if any) which are applicable to the
proposed project.
``(B) A minimum of two years experience providing
comparable services that do not require licensing,
accreditation, or certification.
``(C) Certification as a Medicaid service provider,
including health care for the homeless programs and
community health centers.
``(D) An executed agreement with a relevant State
or local government agency that will provide oversight
over the mental health, substance abuse, or other
services that will be delivered by the project.
``(2) There is a mechanism for determining whether
residents are chronically homeless. Such a mechanism may rely
on local data systems or records of shelter admission. If there
are no sources of data regarding the duration or number of
homeless episodes, or if such data are unreliable for the
purposes of this subsection, an applicant must demonstrate that
the project will implement appropriate procedures, taking into
consideration the capacity of local homeless service providers
to document episodes of homelessness and the challenges of
engaging persons who have been chronically homeless, to verify
that an individual or family meets the definition for being
chronically homeless under this section.
``(3) The applicant participates in a local, regional, or
statewide homeless management information system.
``(j) Duration of Initial and Renewal Grants; Additional Provisions
Regarding Renewal Grants.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the
period during which payments are made to a grantee under
subsection (a) shall be in accordance with the following:
``(A) In the case of the initial grant, the period
of payments shall be not less than three years and not
more than five years.
``(B) In the case of a subsequent grant (referred
to in this subsection as a `renewal grant'), the period
of payments shall be not more than five years.
``(2) Annual approval; availability of appropriations;
number of grants.--The provision of payments under an initial
or renewal grant is subject to annual approval by the Secretary
of the payments and to the availability of appropriations for
the fiscal year involved to make the payments. This subsection
may not be construed as establishing a limitation on the number
of grants under subsection (a) that may be made to an entity.
``(3) Additional provisions regarding renewal grants.--
``(A) Compliance with minimum standards.--A renewal
grant may be made by the Secretary only if the
Secretary determines that the applicant involved has,
in the project carried out with the grant, maintained
compliance with minimum standards for quality and
successful outcomes for housing retention, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(B) Amount.--The maximum amount of a renewal
grant under this subsection shall not exceed an amount
equal to--
``(i) 75 percent of the amount of Federal
funds provided in the final year of the initial
grant period; or
``(ii) 50 percent of the total costs of
sustaining the program funded under the grant
at the level provided for in the year preceding
the year for which the renewal grant is being
awarded;
as determined by the Secretary.
``(k) Strategic Performance Outcomes and Reports.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, as a condition of
the receipt of grants under subsection (a), require grantees to
provide data regarding the performance outcomes of the projects
carried out under the grants. Consistent with the requirements
and procedures established by the Secretary, each grantee shall
measure and report specific performance outcomes related to the
long-term goals of increasing stability within the community
for people who have been chronically homeless, and decreasing
the recurrence of periods of homelessness.
``(2) Performance outcomes.--The performance outcomes
described under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to
individuals who have been chronically homeless--
``(A) improvements in housing stability;
``(B) improvements in employment and education;
``(C) reductions in problems related to substance
abuse;
``(D) reductions in problems related to mental
health disorders; and
``(E) other areas as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
``(3) Coordination and consistency with other homeless
assistance programs.--
``(A) Procedures.--In establishing strategic
performance outcomes and reporting requirements under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall develop and
implement procedures that minimize the costs and
burdens to grantees and program participants, and that
are practical, streamlined, and designed for
consistency with the requirements of the homeless
assistance programs administered by the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development.
``(B) Applicant coordination.--Applicants under
this section shall coordinate with community
stakeholders, including participants in the local
homeless management information system, concerning the
development of systems to measure performance outcomes
and with the Secretary for assistance with data
collection and measurements activities.
``(4) Report.--A grantee shall submit an annual report to
the Secretary that--
``(A) identifies the grantee's progress towards
achieving its strategic performance outcomes; and
``(B) describes other activities conducted by the
grantee to increase the participation, housing
stability, and other improvements in outcomes for
individuals who have been chronically homeless.
``(l) Training and Technical Assistance.--The Secretary, directly
or through awards of grants or contracts to public or nonprofit private
entities, shall provide training and technical assistance regarding the
planning, development, and provision of services in projects under
subsection (a).
``(m) Biennial Reports to Congress.--Not later than two years after
the date of the enactment of the Services for Ending Long-Term
Homelessness Act, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall submit
to the Congress a report on projects under subsection (a) that includes
a summary of information received by the Secretary under subsection
(k), and that describes the impact of the program under subsection (a)
as part of a comprehensive strategy for ending long term homelessness
and improving outcomes for individuals with mental illness and
substance abuse problems.
``(n) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(1) The term `chronically homeless' means an individual
or family who--
``(A) is currently homeless;
``(B) has been homeless continuously for at least
one year or has been homeless on at least four separate
occasions in the last three years; and
``(C) has an adult head of household with a
disabling condition, defined as a diagnosable substance
use disorder, serious mental illness, developmental
disability, or chronic physical illness or disability,
including the co-occurrence of two or more of these
conditions.
``(2) The term `disabling condition' means a condition that
limits an individual's ability to work or perform one or more
activities of daily living.
``(3) The term `homeless' means sleeping in a place not
meant for human habitation or in an emergency homeless shelter.
``(4)(A) The term `permanent supportive housing' means
permanent, affordable housing with flexible support services
that are available and designed to help the tenants stay housed
and build the necessary skills to live as independently as
possible. Such term does not include housing that is time-
limited. Supportive housing offers residents assistance in
reaching their full potential, which may include opportunities
to secure other housing that meets their needs and preferences,
based on individual choice instead of the requirements of time-
limited transitional programs. Under this section, permanent
affordable housing includes but is not limited to permanent
housing funded or assisted through title IV of the McKinney-
Vento Homeless Assistance Act and section (8) of the United
States Housing Act of 1937.
``(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term
`affordable' means within the financial means of individuals
who are extremely low income, as defined by the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development.
``(o) Funding.--
``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--For the purpose of
carrying out this section, there are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the
fiscal years 2006 through 2010.
``(2) Allocation for training and technical assistance.--Of
the amount appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year,
the Secretary may reserve not more than 3 percent for carrying
out subsection (l).''.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3215)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3215-3217)
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line