Under new leadership from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) will meet this month to discuss how the federal government can provide more assistance. did. Supporting innovative state and local efforts to meet the needs of people experiencing both homelessness and mental health or substance use disorders..
Mental health and substance use disorders are often exacerbated by the harsh realities of homelessness, making it difficult to find and maintain shelter and housing. Many shelters and transitional housing programs have abstinence requirements, excluding people suffering from addiction who have nowhere else to go but the outdoors.
“The evidence is clear: when you're sick, a safe home gives you safety and security so you can focus on your recovery.” said Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra, who was elected USICH chair in October. “Medicaid demonstrations are one way states can improve the health of housing-insecure people. This waiver makes it easier for health care providers to reach and treat people where they are, and We encourage more states to apply for these flexibilities as part of strategies to improve the health of housing insecure populations.”
At last week's council meeting, USICH Hear from leaders in Arizona and Colorado About their innovative approach. For example, the city of Denver used social impact bonds to provide housing and support services to people experiencing homelessness who frequently use city services such as the emergency room. The program includes Reduced ER visits and annual service cost savings of $6,876 per person. Starting in October, Arizona's Medicaid plan will Covers up to 6 months of rent For people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and those suffering from serious mental illness. But until recently, it was difficult for people to secure housing vouchers, especially in Phoenix, where housing waiting lists had been closed for years. As part of the ALL INside initiatives Launched last year, USICH and the White House are working with local leaders It aims to further remove barriers to housing, vouchers, health care and other supports for people experiencing homelessness in both Phoenix, Arizona and Denver, Colorado.
Arizona's approach allows the Biden-Harris administration the flexibility to use Medicaid to cover short-term housing costs to facilitate mental health and substance use treatment for people experiencing homelessness. This was made possible by allowing nearly 10 states to do so. These flexibilities granted through demonstration projects under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act: Improve health, reduce the need for hospital visits and institutional stays, reduce health care costs, and help more people escape homelessness.
“We are very grateful to the Department of Health and Human Services for raising awareness and addressing the relationship between behavioral health problems and homelessness.” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, vice chair of USICH. “This is a difficult issue. We are grateful that USICH has shined a spotlight on homelessness in rural areas, which can look different than in urban areas. No sector can do it alone. welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with leaders across the administration.”
“A lack of affordable housing is the leading cause of homelessness, and while not everyone who is homeless has a mental health or substance use disorder, many do.” We must do all we can to ensure that people suffering from mental illness and addiction have immediate access to housing, on-demand voluntary treatment, and other comprehensive support. ” said USICH Executive Director Jeff Olivet. “Housing, medical care, and Other support to help people please stay home, homelessness is solvable. ”
The Medicaid 1115 Demonstration Project Just one of many approaches from the Biden-Harris administration. Contributions to fighting homelessness increased by 12% from January 2022 to January 2023, according to figures released in December.Just last year, the federal government helped Over 424,000 Exit or avoid homelessness. almost invested 500 million dollars Dealing with rural homelessness without shelter.and The foundation was laid in 2023 Built more apartments than in any year on record.
In the few months since I became the lead agent for USICH, HHS has taken several steps To tackle homelessness head-on. The department approved New York's 1115 demonstration project. On Friday, HHS and HUD announced the target states for the new Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator. The accelerator aims to help states develop or expand innovative housing-related Medicaid supports and services for people with disabilities and older adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The purpose is HHS's Office of Children and Families (ACF) has donated millions of dollars to her two programs aimed at preventing homelessness. ACF has released new guidance to help communities take advantage of HUD's Youth Independence Program. The program provides rental assistance and support services to youth transitioning from foster care, who are particularly vulnerable to homelessness.
Click here for more information about the USICH conference.
