Analysis of Homeless Definition Changes

Date: 24 Oct 2007

Author: National Alliance to End Homelessness

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Congress is working on reauthorizing HUD's homeless assistance programs. Numerous changes have been proposed to modify eligibility for assistance, including changing the definition of homelessness, creating funding to serve people who are at risk of homelessness, and expanding eligibility in rural and high performing communities.

This analysis shows that the Community Partnership to End Homelessness Act (S. 1518) allows communities to serve people who are doubled up or in precarious situations without the dangerous consequences of a dramatically expanded definition. The definition expansion proposed in the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act (H.R. 840) would likely reduce resources for people who are currently homeless, particularly children, youth, and adults who live in emergency shelters, on the streets, or in other places not meant for human habitation.