Both House and Senate economic recovery bills include $1.5 billion for one-time grants to state and local government, to prevent people from becoming homeless or quickly re-house those who become homeless. The funding will be distributed to cities and states based on the formula used in the Emergency Shelter Grants program. Services will generally be provided through contracts with local nonprofit agencies. Prevention and rapid rehouse services include work with property owners, reunification with family, help with security deposits and temporary rental assistance, as well as social services to help people get jobs, establish benefits for people with disabilities, and otherwise make sure that people’s housing situations are stabilized.
