GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

Government Programs on Homelessness

🏛️ Government Programs and Policies Addressing Homelessness

Homelessness is one of the most visible and urgent challenges facing our communities today. But behind every statistic is a person — and behind every person is the potential for change.

This page offers a clear, accessible guide to what the U.S. government is doing to support people experiencing homelessness — from emergency aid to long-term housing solutions. Whether you're looking to learn, share, or take action, you'll find key programs and links right here.

🔹 Key Federal Programs

  •   🏠 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

  • Continuum of Care (CoC): Helps local providers quickly rehouse individuals and families.

  • Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG): Supports shelter, outreach, and rehousing efforts.

  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: Assists low-income individuals with rental costs.

  • 🔗 Visit HUD: https://www.hud.gov/homelessness

  • 🤝 U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH)

  • Coordinates efforts across 19 federal agencies.

  • Leads the “All In” strategic plan to end homelessness.

  • 🔗 Visit USICH: https://www.usich.gov

💵 Federal Funding Initiatives

  •  📘 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

  • $5 billion toward Emergency Housing Vouchers and homelessness assistance.

  • Prioritizes equity-focused housing outcomes.

  • 📗 McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

  • Landmark legislation funding shelters, transitional housing, and education access for homeless youth.

💊 Health and Social Support Programs

  •  🩺 Medicaid & Supportive Housing

  • Several states use Medicaid waivers to support housing services like case management and tenancy support.

  • Notable programs: California’s CalAIM, New York’s Health Homes, Washington’s Foundational Community Supports.

  • 🧠 SAMHSA PATH Program

  • Funds outreach and services for individuals with serious mental illness experiencing homelessness.

  • 🔗 Learn more about PATH: https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources

📍 State and Local Initiatives

  • 🏡 Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA)

  • Offers the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP).

  • 📍 Hennepin County Coordinated Entry

  • Streamlines access to housing for those experiencing homelessness in Minnesota.

  • 🏢 California Homekey

  • Converts vacant motels and buildings into permanent housing units.

🔗 Additional Resources

Program Description Link
HUD Exchange Training and technical tools for service providers https://www.hudexchange.info/
National Alliance to End Homelessness Advocacy, research, policy leadership https://endhomelessness.org/
NAEH Youth Toolkit Guides for youth and family homelessness https://endhomelessness.org/resource/what-you-need-to-know-about-youth-homelessness/

🔗 Why This Matters

At Youth2Good, we know that learning about homelessness isn’t just about reading statistics or government plans — it’s about seeing the real people behind the issue. When we understand what’s already being done and where things are still falling short, we’re in a better spot to step in and help.

You don’t have to do something huge to make a difference. Even small things — like donating a pair of shoes, volunteering for a cause, or sharing what you learned with a friend — all add up. If we all care a little more, we can create real change together.