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105th Congress > House > Vote 657
Clerk session vote number: 26
Sponsor: LAZIO, Enrico A. (Rick) (R-NY)
Description: Homeless Housing Programs Consolidation and Flexibility Act
Bill summary: Homeless Housing Programs Consolidation and Flexibility Act - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (Act) to authorize appropriations through FY 2002 for the Federal Emergency Management Agency food and shelter program.
(Sec. 5) Consolidates the existing homeless housing programs under title IV of such Act into a permanent housing development and flexible block grant homeless assistance program.
Makes grants available to States, cities, urban counties, and insular
areas.
Defines "eligible grantees" to be: (1) with respect to grants for insular areas, the insular area, or a designated entity, including a private nonprofit entity; and (2) with respect to grants for permanent housing development and flexible assistance, the State, local government, or designated entity.
Authorizes grantees to transfer funds for eligible activities to project sponsors. Sets forth selection criteria.
Sets forth allocation provisions for: (1) insular areas; (2) permanent housing development grants; and (3) flexible block grant homeless assistance.
Sets forth matching fund and program requirements. Requires consultation regarding the use of available National Guard facilities as homeless shelters. Establishes and obligates funds for a companion services block grant program to be carried out through the Interagency Council on the Homeless in cases of inadequate assistance for the homeless.
Authorizes permanent housing development grant use to construct, rehabilitate, or acquire permanent housing. Prohibits fund use for supportive services. Requires: (1) at least 50 percent use through nonprofit organizations (with an available waiver); and (2) targeting of special populations.
Authorizes flexible block grant use for: (1) construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, leasing, and operation of supportive housing; (2) homelessness prevention; (3) permanent housing activities; (4) emergency shelter; (5) supportive services; and (6) technical assistance. Requires at least 50 percent use through nonprofit organizations (with an available waiver). Includes within supportive housing transitional housing, single room occupancy dwellings, and safe haven housing.
Considers a facility as emergency shelter if it is designed to provide overnight sleeping accommodations for the homeless, including eating and cooking accommodations.
Sets forth reporting requirements for: (1) grantees; and (2) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Authorizes specified appropriations for FY 1998 through 2002.
(Sec. 6) Revises responsibilities of the Interagency Council on the Homeless. Extends the Council's termination date through October 1, 2002. Obligates specified amounts for the Council from appropriations to carry out such Act.
(Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to request that each executive agency identify facilities under its jurisdiction that would be suitable for overnight homeless shelters.
(Sec. 8) Repeals specified provisions and makes conforming amendments to the following Acts: (1) HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 (innovative homeless initiatives); (2) Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (FHA single family property disposition for homeless use); (3) Housing Act of 1949 (housing for rural homeless and migrant farmworkers); (4) United States Housing Act of 1937 (SRO assistance program); and (5) Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (youthbuild).
(Sec. 9) Provides that: (1) existing agreements will not be abrogated by this Act; and (2) previously obligated funds will be subject to such Act as in effect prior to enactment of this Act.
Bill titles: To amend title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to consolidate the Federal programs for housing assistance for the homeless into a block grant program that ensures that States and communities are provided sufficient flexibility to use assistance amounts effectively.
Links for more info on the vote: congress.gov
