New Definition of Homelessness

1. New Definition of Homelessness Consortium Meeting December 7, 2011

2. Final Rule Published 12/5 • Impacts programs operating under the HUD definition of homeless including: • Emergency shelters • Transitional housing programs • Permanent Supportive Housing • Impacts eligibility for programs and services funded by HUD

3. Exiting Transitional is no longer “homeless” • An individual or family who resided in a “shelter”… and who is exiting an institution where he or she temporarily resided is “homeless.” • “Shelter” now excludes transitional housing.

4. Homeless Youth = up to age 25 • “Youth” is now defined as an individual less than 25 years of age. (Youth had not been defined previously.) • Change is intended to include youth aging out of foster care.

5. Youth and Family Homelessness Definition Includes Other Federal Categories • The definition of homeless under Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, Head Start Act, Violence Against Women Act, the Food and Nutrition Act, and Education for Homeless Youth under McKinney Vento, is now included in the HUD definition. • This includes the doubled up families specified on later slides.

6. Documentation Requirements • Regulates the preference for third-party documentation of homelessness except for providers of emergency assistance including one-night emergency shelter provision and DV victims. • HMIS records and other “already available” documentation such as standard discharge paperwork for institutions are sufficient documentation.

7. Additional Documentation • Documentation of institutional stay may include a caseworker’s notes from a conversation with institution staff. • Documentation of imminent loss of housing includes formal eviction/intent to evict document that is applicable during the 14 day period at the point of application for assistance. • If using the other federal statutes, (e.g. Dept of Education or Agriculture) the case file must include a determination of eligibility from the appropriate official at the agency that administers the other federal program.

8. Documentation for DV Victims • If using oral statements to determine homelessness for a victim fleeing or attempting to flee dating/domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and the agency is not a designated victim service organization, the applicant must certify that in addition to the need to obtain safe housing, they also do not have the resources or support networks to obtain housing. • This must be verified by written notes from the intake worker, and/or a written referral from a third party such as health care provider or police.

9. Documentation of Disability • Provides 45 days grace period to collect paperwork verifying disability from a licensed professional.

10. Addition of Imminently Homeless Individuals and Families • Individuals or families who are imminently homeless are considered “homeless” if: • Housing will be lost within 14 days; • No subsequent residence has been identified; and • The individual or family lacks the resources or support networks to obtain permanent housing

11. Other Eligible Families/Youth • Youth or families who have not had a lease or occupancy agreement within the past 90 days; • Have had at least 2 moves or more in the past 60 days; • Are expected to continue in this situation due to disabilities, abuse (child abuse, DV, substance abuse), or 2 or more barriers to employment ; and • Lacks the resources or support networks to obtain permanent housing

12. Chronically homeless • This definition has not been changed; • However, new permanent supportive housing programs may serve chronically homeless families with a disabled household member.

13. Impact • Additional families and youth are expected to be eligible for CoC and ESG resources and services; • However, most programs cannot meet current demand under more restrictive guidelines, therefore the impact will likely be minimal.