BLANKET Act

More emergency shelter for severe weather

This bill would create a competitive, one-time grant program to expand emergency shelter during severe weather. The Department would have to set up the program not later than 1 year after enactment. States, local governments, nonprofits, and public housing agencies could apply for grants to add temporary shelter beds, seasonal warming or cooling centers, hotel or motel vouchers, staffing and security, sanitation, utilities, transport, and emergency supplies and equipment. Applicants would need to show data on local severe-weather risks and unsheltered homelessness, a plan to expand capacity, and coordination with emergency management and public health. The bill would authorize $750 million for each fiscal year 2027, 2028, and 2029. The Comptroller General would report to Congress within 5 years on how the grants worked and who was served.