HEARTH Act Amends HUD Definition of Homelessness and Improves Support For All Homeless Populations

The “Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act (HEARTH),” H.R. 840, reauthorizes the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Programs that are administered by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HEARTH provides greater decision making at the local level, more closely aligns the HUD definition of homelessness with other federal agency definitions (including the Department of Education), expands resources for emergency shelter and supportive services, provides a framework for greater homeless prevention activity, and allows communities the flexibly to implement a range of housing solutions. A summary of key provisions and other information is found in the links below:

Call to Action and Summary of Key Provisions (Word Doc)

Press Release Announcing HEARTH Act (PDF)

Text of Legislation