HUD and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on February 9 that eight states and the District of Columbia have been selected to participate in the “Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator” (Accelerator), a new federal initiative to reduce homelessness by addressing health-related social needs, such as housing-related services. Through the initiative, states can improve the coordination and delivery of key services that can help people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness obtain and maintain stable housing, including housing navigation, ongoing case management, and one-time transition assistance.
HHS and HUD selected Arizona, California, D.C., Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Washington for the initiative. The Accelerator will help the selected states and D.C. strengthen partnerships across multiple sectors, access available federal resources and programs, and maximize federal flexibilities to help keep people healthy. Over the next year, HUD and HHS will provide intensive technical assistance to states implementing HHS’ recently issued guidance on clinically appropriate and evidence-based services that can be covered under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. For example, states can support access to healthcare through Medicaid section 1115 demonstrations that provide services to help people avoid lease violations. Additionally, states can provide services that connect individuals to HUD housing programs by covering security deposits and other short-term housing costs.
The initiative seeks to expand access to affordable, accessible housing and the services that help people live successfully and stably in their community. Supportive housing is a proven, cost-effective approach that combines affordable housing with voluntary support services to help people with disabilities and complex health conditions maintain housing stability and improve their health and well-being.
Read HUD’s announcement at: http://tinyurl.com/4dbn9cnd
Learn more about the Accelerator and each selected state’s focus and goals at: http://tinyurl.com/5fr6mp5k