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National Alliance to End Homelessness

Newsletters | January 8, 2008

January 8, 2008

POLICY \| DATA + RESEARCH \| TOOL + TRAINING \| NEWS + MEDIA

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Editor: Samantha Batko

Spotlight On...
Registration Still Available for DHAP Administered by HUD

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) continue to urge families displaced by the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes to sign up for continued rental assistance through the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP). Those eligible for assistance are strongly encouraged to immediately contact HUD through their toll-free hotline at 1-866-373-9509.

The residents originally were assisted through FEMA's Individuals and Households Program, but are now being assisted by the new DHAP program, which is being administered by HUD through its network of public housing agencies.

HUD and FEMA completed the transfer of information about tenants and their housing situation last month when HUD assumed day-to-day management of the program from FEMA. Since then, displaced families had their rents paid under DHAP, but many eligible families may miss out on funds because HUD has not heard from them to process their assistance.

Fact Sheet: HUD to Administer Continued Rental Housing Assistance for Residents Affected By Gulf Coast Hurricanes

Federal Housing Subsidies: To Rent or To Own?

Housing plays a vital role in the lives and finances of families. A new fact sheet from the Urban Insitute compares federal subsidies for rental housing and homelownership. Many studies have noted the variety of benefits that homeownership creates. The main benefit to homeownership is financial stability. In 2006, the federal government spent approximately $199.5 billion on housing programs and tax expenditures. Additionally, the federal government spends nearly 4 times as much on homeownership than on rental assistance, $157.5 billion on homeownership compared to $42 billion on rental programs.

Federal Housing Subsidies: To Rent or To Own?

In the Media: Homeless Assistance Grants

Ohio's

Circleville Herald provided extensive coverage of last week's announcement of $1.5 billion in homeless assistance grants from HUD, to be given to a record number of local homeless programs across the nation. The grants, which awarded more than $727 million to projects that provide permanent housing solutions for homeless persons, will offer transitional and permanent supportive housing to more than 168,000 total homeless individuals and families. The funding is provided in two ways: as continuum of care grants which provide permanent and transitional housing and services to homeless persons and as emergency shelter grants.

Upcoming Audio Conference: Substance Abuse Treatment Models for Homeless People

On January 10, 2008 at 3:00 pm ET, the Alliance will host "Substance Abuse Treatment Models for Homeless People," an installment of the Leadership to End Homelessness Audio Conference Series. This audio conference will highlight two substance use treatment programs. James Alexander, with The Engagement Center at Maryhaven, will explain the treatment and outreach efforts they use to provide quick, immediate treatment for homeless public inebriates in Columbus, Ohio. Cynthia Crone, with the University of Arkansas for Medicaid Sciences, College of Medicine, will discuss how they treat families with a member who has an addiction disorder. Hear the differences and common themes among these two very different programs and how each approaches the treatment aspect of serving their clients.

Thanks to Captiol Connection, those with Internet audio capability can participate in this conference call free of charge via the web. For details on how to listen to the call through the webcast and submit questions by email,

click here.

For those wishing to participate by phone, the cost of the call will be approximately $30 and registration is required beforehand. To register, click here.

Substance Use Treatment for Homeless Populations

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is hosting its 2008 National Conference on Ending Family Homelessness on February 7-8, 2008 at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. The conference will bring together leaders from all parts of the country, from the nonprofit provider community, to local, state, and federal government, to business and philanthropy. We will share solutions, confront issues, and unite in our resolve to ensure that the day is near when no child or parent will experience homelessness.

ABOUT US
	The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonpartisan, non profit organization dedicated to solving the problem of homelessness and preventing its continued growth. www.endhomelessness.org
EXPERT Q & A
	Take a five minute break from whatever you are doing to hear about emerging issues, new research, and personal stories from experts and leaders in homelessness and housing policy. This month's expert is Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Take Five! Expert Q & A
UPCOMING EVENTS
	January 10 \\| Substance Abuse Treatment Models for Homeless People
	February 7-8 \\| National Conference on Ending Family Homelessness 2008

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National Alliance to End Homelessness

Newsletters | January 8, 2008

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