HUD Announces New Funding to Address Homelessness

On June 22, 2022, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that the Biden Administration is releasing a first-of-its-kind package of resources specifically created to address unsheltered homelessness and homeless encampments.

This funding can make a huge impact in places such as Los Angeles County, where unsheltered homelessness made up almost ¾ of the entire population experiencing homelessness in 2020. The $365 million package includes vouchers and grant funds that can be used to connect individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness with housing, health care, and supportive services. Below is a breakdown of the funding:

• $322 million in Continuum of Care Program grants which will be allocated through a Special Notice of Funding Opportunity that can fund outreach, permanent housing, supportive services, and other costs.
• $43 million to fund approximately 4,000 new housing vouchers that will be allocated via public housing authorities. The vouchers will be able to serve households experiencing or at-risk of homelessness; those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meets specific criteria.

You can find more information about the HUD package here. Additionally, you can find LAHSA’s guidance documents for addressing street encampments here and on local responses to unsheltered homelessness here.