WASHINGTON D.C. — As the year draws to a close, the federal government announced several initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness across the country.
These measures include updated regulations to repurpose surplus federal properties for affordable housing, the launch of the second cohort of the Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator, and an allocation of nearly $39.8 million to support veterans through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.
“These announcements reflect HUD’s unwavering commitment to addressing the root causes of homelessness and advancing innovative solutions,” said Adrianne Todman, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“By expanding partnerships, repurposing federal properties, and investing in programs like HUD-VASH, we are making meaningful progress toward our shared goal of ending homelessness and building stronger, more equitable communities.”
Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator
HUD and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) opened applications for states to join the second cohort of the Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator.
This initiative offers technical assistance to help states address health-related social needs by improving access to affordable and accessible housing.
The program aims to strengthen coordination between housing and healthcare sectors, address resource gaps, and provide integrated services for vulnerable populations, including older adults and individuals with disabilities.
“Homeless people need more than temporary shelter. They must have access to a comprehensive set of services that connects them to housing they can afford and maintain over the long term,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
“Title V will allow the federal government to use empty federal properties to house homeless people and provide these vital services.”
Repurposing Federal Properties
HUD, in partnership with HHS and the General Services Administration (GSA), announced regulatory updates to streamline the process of converting surplus, underutilized federal properties into housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Over 140 properties nationwide have already been repurposed for this purpose.
“This rule streamlines the assessment of federal properties for potential use in addressing homelessness and makes it easier for these properties to get into the hands of state and local governments and nonprofits that are working to address this challenge,” said Katy Kale, GSA deputy administrator and representative for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Supporting Veterans Through HUD-VASH
HUD announced an additional $39.8 million in funding for the HUD-VASH program, which offers rental assistance and support services to veterans experiencing homelessness.
The program, a collaboration between HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs, has helped nearly 90,000 veteran households secure stable housing since its inception.
Earlier this year, officials reported that veteran homelessness had dropped to its lowest level on record. The newly announced funding aligns with ongoing efforts to ensure stable housing for veterans and their families.
Broader Efforts
Over the past year, the federal government has implemented several initiatives to address homelessness, including the $3.5 billion Continuum of Care Competition and the $175 million CoCBuilds grant program.
“These efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring that every American has a safe, stable place to call home,” said Todman. “Together, we are building stronger communities and advancing toward a future where homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring.”