# Understanding the Coordinating Substance Use and Homelessness Care Act

This bill creates a new federal grant program designed to help cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations better coordinate services for homeless people who are struggling with substance use disorders or other mental health issues. Right now, these services often operate separately—housing programs don't talk to health providers, and health providers don't coordinate with homeless services. This bill funds efforts to break down those barriers and create a more connected system.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development will distribute grants of up to $500,000 each to eligible organizations over five-year periods. The money can't be used to directly pay for medical care or rent, but instead goes toward hiring coordinators who can connect the dots between different services, upgrading technology systems so providers can communicate better, and training staff on how to work together effectively. For example, a city might use grant money to hire someone whose job is specifically to make sure that when a homeless person with a substance use disorder seeks help, they get connected to both housing assistance and treatment services at the same time, rather than being bounced between different agencies.

The bill recognizes that homelessness and substance use disorders often go hand-in-hand, and that people dealing with both issues face especially high risks—including higher rates of death and emergency room visits. By funding better coordination, the bill aims to help these individuals stay housed and engaged with treatment. The program also specifically encourages organizations that have strong relationships with Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities to apply, acknowledging that these populations have historically been underserved by support programs. Organizations receiving grants must report back on whether people they served actually stayed housed, got connected to treatment, and improved their health.

Coordinating Substance Use and Homelessness Care Act of 2022

Dean, Madeleine

Coordinating Substance Use and Homelessness Care Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to award competitive grants to improve coordination of health care and homelessness services for individuals who are homeless, have significant behavioral health issues (e.g., substance use disorders), and voluntarily seek assistance. Entities eligible for these grants include local and tribal governments, public housing agencies that administer housing choice vouchers, and certain nonprofits.