Last year’s Continuum of Care (CoC) regulations released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), included language stating that only government entities (including Housing Authorities) would be allowed to administer rental assistance. This would exclude nonprofits from participating in rental assistance activities, presenting a significant challenge to CoCs accross the country and adding an administrative burden to those trying to quickly re-house individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Thanks to advocates who have engaged their Members of Congress on this issue in the past months, the Senate’s fiscal year (FY) 2014 funding bill for the Departments of Transportation and HUD includes a language change that would allow nonprofits to administer rental assistance, essentially fixing the problem.

However, since the federal funding process could take a significant amount of time to finalize, and the bills may not pass, Representative Scott Peters (D-CA) has introduced legislation with similar language that would ensure that nonprofits may administer rental assistance. The legislation, H.R. 2790 – the Housing Assistance Efficiency Act, would allow nonprofits to administer rental assistance. If you are concerned about nonprofits in your CoC no longer being able to administer rental assistance, here is your chance to address that!

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a leading voice on the issue of homelessness. The Alliance analyzes policy and develops pragmatic, cost effective policy solutions. The Alliance works collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity, leading to stronger programs and policies that help communities acheive their goal of ending homelessness. They provide data and research to policymakers and elected officials to inform policy debates and educate the public and opinion leaders nationwide.