House Appropriations Subcommittee Spending Bill Maintains Housing First

The House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees funding levels for HUD affordable housing and community development programs voted on July 8 to approve a fiscal year (FY) 2021 spending bill that provides a significant increase in funding for the Continuum of Care Program and preserves and promotes Housing First.

The bill provides $3,800,000 for the Interagency Council on Homelessness to carry out its functions and that

no funds may be used to promote homelessness interventions unless those interventions include support for evidence-based interventions including the Housing First model and Permanent Supportive Housing.

The bill also states that

none of the $250 million provided (for incremental rental voucher assistance) may be used to require people experiencing homelessness to receive treatment or perform any other prerequisite activities as a condition for receiving shelter, housing or other services; and

none of the $250 million provided (for projects to reduce unsheltered homelessness) may be used to require people experiencing homelessness to receive treatment or perform any other prerequisite activities as a condition for receiving shelter, housing or other services.