Schiff Introduces Bill to Study Cost Effectiveness of Federal Homelessness Programs

September 19, 2024

Washington, D.C.- Today, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the Comprehensive Accountability and Responsibility to End Homelessness (CARE) Act, a bill which directs the U.S Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the cost effectiveness of homelessness programs. Schiff's legislation would analyze the effectiveness of all federally funded programs-including critical programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Education, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other agencies.

"Communities across California and the country are battling high housing costs and homelessness, and it is crucial that taxpayer dollars are invested in solutions that work," said Rep. Schiff. "Californians are generous and compassionate, and are willing to invest in helping people find shelter, but they want to know their investment is being used wisely. By understanding which homelessness programs are delivering the best outcomes, we can ensure that every dollar is spent effectively and precious resources are not wasted."

"Addressing homelessness requires us to be smart with our resources. We need to know which programs are truly working so we can expand them and provide real, lasting solutions to this crisis," said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. "I'm grateful to Representative Schiff for his leadership and commitment to tackling homelessness and affordable housing challenges, not just in California but across the nation."

"California counties continue to invest considerable time and resources to address homelessness in our communities," said San Luis Obispo County Supervisor and California State Association of Counties (CSAC) President Bruce Gibson. "By ensuring better data collection and addressing workforce challenges, the CARE Act will help identify service gaps and refine strategies for more effective, long-term solutions."

Specifically, Schiff's bill would direct the GAO to study and provide a report to Congress on:

• Federal homelessness programs that lead to the best outcomes for long-term housing stability.
• How to improve existing data systems to allow Continuums of Care and homelessness service providers to better report on outcomes.
• Weaknesses, inefficiencies, or areas of concern for each program.
• Recommendations to improve the performance, accountability, and oversight of federal homelessness programs.
• And issues related to housing workforce shortages.

Schiff's CARE Act is cosponsored by Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.).

The bill is also supported by the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), Covenant House, and the Mayor of Sacramento, Darrell Steinberg.

Read the full bill HERE.

###

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.