Federal Policy Brief | 31 Aug 2010

Author: National Alliance to End Homelessness

Files: PDF | 59 KB | 3 pages

This policy brief examines potential changes to funding allocations for the Homeless Assistance grants under the HEARTH Act. The HEARTH Act increases funding for many important homelessness prevention and re-housing activities, but allocating more funding for these activities means that overall homelessness funding will have to increase to avoid cuts to other activities. The activity most at risk is the creation of new permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities, which has successfully reduced chronic homelessness. This brief quantifies the changes to funding allocations made by the HEARTH Act and demonstrates the impact of a "Hold-Harmless" funding scenario for FY 2011, as well as the impact of the funding levels recommended by both the House and Senate.

Specifically, the brief examines current funding and then dives into FY 2011 funding issues and scenarios. Specific factors covered include:

• ESG Formula Change
• Rural Funding
• Administration, Planning, and Oversight
• Increased Renewal Need

The brief compares FY 2008, 2009, and 2010 funding levels to both the House and Senate's recommended funding levels for FY 2011, as well as a funding scenario in which communities would have the same level of funding available for new projects as in 2010.

To view the interactive tool that accompanies this brief, please click here.