Chronic Homelessness

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Learn More About Chronic Homelessness

In general, a chronically homeless person is an unaccompanied disabled individual who has been continuously homeless for over one year. (HUD is using this as a working definition as we continue to examine the characteristics and needs of this group in order to develop a response to this critical problem that is inclusive and appropriate for their special needs.) To see recent research, you can look at the findings on the the public costs of homelessness versus supported housing by Dennis Culhane at the University of Pennsylvania or a report by Martha Burt of the Urban Institute, What Will it Take To End Homelessness?

Progress Report

In fiscal year 2002, HUD, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Veterans Affairs (VA) began a jointly administered grant to reduce chronic homelessness. A key ingredient to the overall success of these efforts has been improved access by homeless persons to mainstream health services, social services and job programs.

HUD's efforts also support the objective of ending chronic homelessness by ensuring that at least 30 percent of the grant funds are dedicated to providing permanent housing. Many of those housed are chronically homeless. By providing a permanent solution, HUD helps ensure that chronically homeless persons no longer cycle from the streets to shelters, receiving stop-gap assistance that does not address their primary needs. Instead, they receive permanent housing and supportive services.

Since 1998, there has been an increase in the amount of homeless assistance funds used for housing costs relative to the amount used for supportive services. In 1998, 43 percent of homeless assistance funds were used for housing costs; in 2003, 56 percent of funds were used for housing costs and $510.7 million was used for permanent housing.

HUD's Commitment to Ending Chronic Homelessness in Ten Years

In the 2003 Annual Performance Plan, HUD makes effectively challenging homelessness a strategic goal. Under this goal, the first objective is to end chronic homelessness in ten years.

Policy Academies Sponsored by HUD, HHS, and VA

HUD has partnered with HHS and VA to offer Policy Academies that bring together State-level teams comprised of individuals with policymaking influence including State agency senior officials and local stakeholders with nationally recognized faculty and facilitators. The Policy Academies also help to identify promising practices to address homelessness in States and communities.

Resources About Chronic Homelessness

HUD's homeless assistance programs include Supportive Housing Program, Shelter Plus Care Program, and Single Room Occupancy Program. You can also look at HHS and VA programs that are dealing with chronic homelessness and learn about the initiatives of the Interagency Council on Homelessness.