Homeless Assistant Act

Since the 1980’s, there were many programs created that focused on finding a solution to homelessness. The programs were supported by the federal government and in 1986, congress passed the “Homeless Persons’ Survival Act.” The goal of the act was to aid the homeless with food, shelter, mobile health care and transitional housing. This act was later renamed and enforced into law by Ronald Reagan in 1987. The act is now called “McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act,” named after the chief Republican sponsor, Stewart B. McKinney.

The McKinney act has fifteen different programs that provide services to the homeless society. Some of the programs they offer are: “The Supportive Housing Program, the Shelter Plus Care Program, and the Single Room Occupancy Program, as well as the Emergency Shelter Grant Program.”

The Supportive Housing Program’s purpose is to provide permanent housing for those who are defined as homeless. They are sent to housings or projects that are safe and sanitary within 24 months. The building has to meet the state and local housing codes and requirements.

Under the McKinney Act, there are also supportive services for the homeless. The service is provided for those who are disabled or are a family with kids. The different activities the supportive service assistants perform are: providing food, health care, counseling for employment and nutrition, security arrangements, child care services and many others. This act has helped to improve the homeless society and decrease their population over the years.

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/homeless/rulesandregs/laws/