Note: please note that this page should (a) link back to the issue overview on this topic, (b) be focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (c) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

• Mental Health Services for the Homeless 

Scope of the Problem  factual statements on the extent of the problem in the past, current, or future

• Although the main focus of this policy is about mental health services for the homeless it is important to show what is being done in relation to providing housing for this population since many people believe lack of housing is the driving factor in homelessness. This allows for us to better put the issue of mental health into perspective. When examining the state of homelessness in America for the previous year 2012, it is important to observe the years 2009-2011 which were a period of economic downturn in the nation. Despite the bad economy homelessness actually decreased by one percent, or about 7,000 people, during this time period. A significant investment of federal resources to prevent homelessness and quickly rehouse people who did become homeless is most likely the reason for this decrease. The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) was a $1.5 billion federal effort to prevent a recession-related increase in homelessness. Even though the number of homeless people was virtually unchanged during 2009 and 2011, we still have reasons to be concerned. The resources provided by HPRP have run out in many communities leaving the problem to remain at a stand still, and the population to increase.^[1]

• According to the substance abuse and mental health services administration between 20-25% of the homeless population in American suffers from some form of severe mental illness. In comparison, only 6% of Americans are severely mentally ill. Serious mental illness disrupts people's ability to carry out essential aspects of daily life, such as self-care, and household management. Mental illness may also prevent people from forming and maintaining stable relationships. Often times this leads to pushing away family members, and caregivers who might potentially keep that person from becoming homless. Better mental health services would combat not only mental illness, but homlessness as well. Even if homeless individuals are provided with housing they are unlikely to achieve residential stability and remain off the streets unless the have access to continued treatment and services.^[2]

Past Policy  key legislation and milestones including significant policy and funding shifts, major studies, etc.

• In February 2009 the United States Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which includes $1.5 billion for homelessness prevention and re-housing. 

• The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. Although this Act only targets a specific group of the homeless population it is noteworthy because it was the first federal legislation to address homelessness.  

Current Policy  summary of current policies in the form of legislation, programs, and funding

• Obama's Fiscal year 2013 budget proposal includes a significant funding commitment Opening Doors. This year's budget proposal includes $4.7 billion for targeted homeless assistance funding, a 17% increase over the previously enacted Fiscal Year 2012 budget. According to the USICH Executive Director, Barbara Poppe, "The President's budget reflects our commitment to funding what works." 

• The President's Fiscal Year 2013 budget proposal is the second budget developed by USICH member agencies since the release of Opening Doors and is a statement of the Administration's commitment to preventing and ending homelessness as a national priority. 

• The 17% increase in targeted homeless assistance funding includes the following:

          Increased strategic investments to implement the HEARTH Act. $330 million increase for the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Homeless Assistance Grants, including $286 million for the second year of the revamped Emergency Solutions Grant. 

          Continued expansion of supportive housing for our nation's Veterans through HUD-VASH. An additional 10,000 HUD-VASH vouchers combined with health care and supportive services to help Verterans exit homelessness. 

          Additional funding and focus on prevention and rapid re-housing. $200 million expansion of the Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veteran Families program -- built on best practices developed across the country. 

          New investments through the Affordable Care Act to leverage mainstream programs including Medicaid. Additional 5% increase in Department of Health and Human Services targeted homeless assistance programs.  

Key Organizations/Individuals   contacts for public and private organizations and key individuals

• Government
• United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH):  The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) is key because it works with it's partners to: establish and maintain effective, coordinated, and supportive relationships with every federal agency; organize and support states and communities to effectively implement local plans to end homelessness; develop an effective portal to federal programs and initiatives; establish and maintain productive communications with Congress; establish partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders; monitor, evaluate, and recommend improvements in serving those experiencing homelessness and disseminate best practices; and to provide professional and technical assistance to states, local governments, and other public and private non-profit organizations. 
• Non-Profit - Service Providing
• People Assisting the Homeless (PATH): People assisting the homeless (PATH) is key because they provide critical supportive services--like employment services, healthcare, counseling, substance abuse treatment, and legal aid. They are also going to what they believe is the heart of the problem and building new, affordable housing that is specifically designed to help people transitioning out of homelessness.
• Non-Profit - Advocacy/Membership/Network
• National Alliance to end Homelessness:  The National Alliance to end Homelessness is key because they are a leading voice in federal homelessness policy, they provice capacity-building assistance for communities across the country, and because of their homelessness research institute which provides policymakers, practitioners, and the public with the best information about trends in homelessness and emerging solutions.   
• National Coalition for the Homeless: The National Coalition for the Homeless is key because it is a national network of people who are currently experiencing, or have experienced homelessness, advocates and activists, community based and faith based service providers. Their first principle of practice is that those who are currently experiencing or have experienced homelessness must be actively involved in all of their work. Their programs are centered on public education, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing, and are focused on the issues of housing justice, economic justice, healthcare justice, and civil rights. 
• Foundation
•  
• Other
•  

Bibliography   web sites, reports, articles, and other reference material 

Footnotes

1. Witte, P. (2013). The state of homelessness in america 2012 [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.endhomlessness.org/library/entry/the -state-of-homlessness-in-america-2012 ▲
2. National Coalition for the Homeless. (2009, July). Bringing america home. Retrieved from http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/Menal_Illness.pdf ▲