§11384 Incentives for high-performing communities

Summary

The Secretary must pick each year which collaborative applicants are "high-performing communities." The Secretary will make rules that compare similar homeless people so projects are encouraged to help those with bigger barriers. In the first 2 years after the law’s effective date under section 1503 of the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009, no more than 10 collaborative applicants can be named each year. If more than 10 qualify, the Secretary will pick the 10 with the best results. A designation lasts one year and can be renewed. Applicants must apply when the Secretary tells them to and must include a report on how they spent last year’s money and proof they meet the standards. The Secretary will publish those reports locally and ask the public for comments. Grants to projects in high-performing communities can be used for the usual eligible activities listed in other parts of the law, including those in sections 11383 and certain parts of 11374(a). A "high-performing community" means a place that meets five tests: average time homeless is under 20 days or improved by at least 10% for similar people; fewer than 5% who leave homelessness return within 2 years or that return rate fell by at least 20%; the area actively reached out to people in need and put everyone who asked for help into its data system; past use of certain HUD funds cut the number becoming homeless; and, for applicants serving homeless families, children, or youth under other federal laws, they met the effectiveness standards the Secretary sets. A designated collaborative must also help the Secretary share what worked to reduce homelessness.