SAMHSA Homeless Services

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides funding for several programs that provide services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

LATEST NEWS:

On December 16, the President singed into law the fiscal year (FY) 2012 funding bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies (L-HHS). The legislation provides $75 million for SAMHSA Homeless Services. This represents flat funding compared to FY 2011 and is $12 million less than the amount requested by the President in February.

The bill also includes $65 million for Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH), which represents level funding from FY 2011, and matches the amount requested by the Administration for FY 2012.


About SAMHSA Homeless Programs
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Homeless Services programs provide case management and other supportive services — such as mental health services, substance use counseling, and health care — linked to housing. These programs are highly effective and cost-efficient. From 2005 to 2007, the number of chronically homelessness individuals decreased by 28 percent nationwide. Current SAMHSA investments have played a role in this decrease.

The largest obstacle for many communities to continue making progress toward ending homelessness is funding for services. An increase in resources for services is needed to overcome barriers to accessing mainstream programs, such as Medicaid, welfare, and general substance abuse and mental health services. SAMHSA’s financial support of services in these environments is a critical step on the road to ending homelessness.

Spotlight

Federal Policy Brief  |  July 1, 2011
The President’s FY 2012 budget request included $89 million for SAMHSA Homeless Services. This increase includes funding for the HUD/HHS Housing and Services for Homeless Persons Demonstration Initiative.

Library Resources

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Federal Policy Brief  |  March 10, 2011
This one-pager provides background information on SAMHSA's Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) program. It also explains the Alliance's recommendation that in FY2012 the PATH program receive at least $75 million in appropriations.
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Federal Policy Brief  |  April 4, 2008
SAMHSA homeless programs award grants across the U.S. to improve the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders for those experiencing homelessness. These grants go to community-based public and private nonprofit organizations that provide substance abuse services and mental health treatment for homeless individuals.