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Impact of the HEARTH Act on Metro Denver Homeless Planning. John Parvensky President Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. HEARTH Act Overview. Reauthorizes HUD’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance programs Codifies Continuum of Care Process
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Impact of the HEARTH Act on Metro Denver Homeless Planning John Parvensky President Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
HEARTH Act Overview • Reauthorizes HUD’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance programs • Codifies Continuum of Care Process • Combines SHP and S+C Programs under one program with greater flexibility • Changes Emergency Shelter Program into Emergency Solutions Program
HEARTH Act Overview • New emphasis on… • Prevention • Rapid Re-Housing • Permanent supportive housing • Other effective strategies to end homelessness • Focus on CoC “System” level Performance • Continuum of Care is defined as the group organized to carry out the responsibilities of the HEARTH Act.
The CoC members include: • Nonprofit homeless providers • Victim service providers • Faith-based organizations • Governments • Advocates • Public housing agencies • School districts • Social service providers • Mental health agencies • Hospitals • Universities • Affordable housing developers • Law enforcement • Organizations serving homeless veterans • Homeless and formerly homeless persons
CoC Responsibilities • Hold meetings of full membership of continuum at least semi-annually • Invite new members to join the Continuum • Adopt written process to select a board to act on behalf of Continuum • Develop policies and procedures for compliance with CoC and HMIS requirements • Establish performance targets, monitor recipient performance, evaluate outcomes and take action against poor performers
CoC Responsibilities • Evaluate outcomes of ESG and CoC funded programs • Establish a centralized or coordinated assessment system that provides an initial comprehensive assessment of the needs of individuals and families for housing and services • Establish written standards for providing and prioritizing CoC assistance
CoC HMIS Responsibilities • Designate a single HMIS system for the Continuum • Designate an HMIS Lead • Approve privacy, security and data quality plans for HMIS • Ensure consistent participation of agencies in HMIS • Ensure HMIS complies with HUD requirements
CoC Planning Responsibilities • Coordinate the implementation of a housing and service system to meet the needs of homeless individuals, youth and families including: • Outreach and engagement • Shelter, housing and supportive services • Prevention strategies • Conduct Point in Time count biennially
CoC Planning Responsibilities • Conduct gaps analysis of homeless needs and available services • Provide information required to complete Consolidated Plans • Consult with State and local government ESG recipients on plan for allocating ESG funds • Jurisdictions required to coordinate with CoC in development of HUD Consolidated Plans
CoC Funding Process • Annual Competition through NOFA • Specific rating criteria that HUD must use in the competitive process is included in the statute: • Performance Measures • Planning Process • Priorities • Public and Private Funding • Mainstream Programs • Other Populations
Performance Measures • CoC Applicants will be rated in these community wide areas: • Length of time individuals and families remain homeless • Extent of recurrence of homelessness • Thoroughness in reaching homeless persons • Jobs and income growth for homeless persons • Overall reduction in the number of persons who become homeless
Performance Measures • CoC Plans will be rated in these areas: • Plan addresses needs of all relevant subpopulations • Plan sets quantifiable performance measures • Plan identifies funding sources and responsible entities for implementing strategies • Plan uses outcome data • Plan incorporates use of mainstream resources and other funding • Increased coordination with other federal, state and local agencies.
Consolidation of CoC Programs • Supportive Housing Program and Shelter Plus Care Programs combined into one program • More flexibility for mixing and matching eligible activities: • New Construction, Acquisition and Rehab • Rental Assistance and Leasing • Operating Costs • Supportive Services • HMIS • Administrative Costs
Program Components • Permanent Housing • Permanent Supportive Housing • Rapid Re-Housing • Up to 24 months of tenant based rental assistance with supportive services • Transitional Housing (up to 24 months) • Supportive Services Only • HMIs
Emergency Solutions Grants • Old Emergency Shelter Grant program changed to Emergency Solutions Grants • Adds Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing as eligible activities (at least 40% of funds) • States and Jurisdictions receiving ESG funds are required to coordinate with the Continuum of Care in award of ESG funds
Next Steps • Super NOFA expected in October 2012 • Funding for Fiscal Year same as last year • Increased competition for same level of funds • 1.25% of Funds available for CoC Planning • MDHI needs your help to make Continuum effective and successful