MCH Advocates to Reauthorize McKinney-Vento Homelessness Programs.

The Coalition is part of a chorus of local, state, and federal organizations who have joined forces to advocate for passage of HR 840, the “Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act.” Its passage would reauthorize the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Programs.

In specific, its passage would improve our response for:

Children in School
A growing percentage of homeless youth and children are enrolled in school. Minnesota reported that full 90% of homeless school age children were attending school. The HEARTH Act aligns HUD’s definition of homelessness with that of the Department of Education.

Unaccompanied Youth
The number of unaccompanied youth in Minnesota reported that they had traded sex for shelter increased by 4% between 2003 and 2006. These youth are not homeless according to HUD’s current definition as they are staying in a place that is meant for human habitation – the home of a predatory adult.

Battered Women
About one-third of homeless Minnesota women have experienced domestic abuse. In addition, 45% of women reported that they had stayed in an abusive relationship because they had nowhere else to live. The HEARTH Act allows Minnesota service providers to help victims of domestic violence more quickly while protecting their privacy.

Rural Minnesotans
Slightly under one-third (30%) of all homeless adults are living in Greater Minnesota. HUD’s definition of homelessness keeps many communities without a shelter program from serving those in need.

In addition to improving our response, the HEARTH Act will improve and expand our ability to respond to the needs of those who become homelessness:

Provides for Additional Resources
The HEARTH Act reauthorizes the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Programs that are administered by HUD and increases available federal dollars from $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion.

Provides an Appropriate Definition of Homelessness
Many communities must deny services to people experiencing homelessness due to HUD’s restrictive definition of homelessness. The HEARTH Act aligns HUD’s definition with the more inclusive definition used by other federal agencies. People forced to live in double-up situations or in motels due to lack of adequate options and unaccompanied youth living with a sexual predator would be included.

Recognizes a Range of Housing & Services Is Needed
The HEARTH Act promotes a continuum of housing and services to address homelessness on a community level.

• Eligible activities include homelessness prevention, permanent or transitional supportive housing for any population that needs it, as well as supportive services.

• Local control over homelessness assistance grant funding is put into law. Without being overly prescriptive, the Act encourages the participation of agencies serving any homeless population.

• Local communities are allowed to prioritize housing and service initiatives based on their unique demonstrated needs.

Protects the Privacy of Victims of Domestic Violence
The HEARTH Act prohibits the disclosure of any information collected by a housing or social service provider that could identify victims of domestic violence. It also permits them to immediately move to a safer situation if they are in danger.