[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 22, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9530-S9533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. ALLARD (for himself and Mrs. Dole):
  S. 2829. A bill to establish a grant program administered under an 
agreement among the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development, 
Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs, in consultation with 
the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, to address the goal of 
ending chronic homelessness through coordinated provision of housing, 
health care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and 
supportive and other services, including assistance in accessing non-
homeless specific benefits and services, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Samaritan 
Initiative Act of 2004, and I am pleased to have Senator Dole join me 
in this effort. The Samaritan Initiative would mark the beginning of a 
new, collaborative approach in the Federal effort to end chronic 
homelessness.
  The Initiative would create a groundbreaking joint effort between the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health 
and Human Resources, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Each 
department would contribute money to a joint fund and would coordinate 
in the effort to end chronic homelessness. This coordinated approach 
will streamline the grants application process and will ensure 
consistent standards. It will also ensure that each department 
continues to provide its own particular expertise. I am hopeful that 
other Federal agencies will join in the effort as well.
  Homeless individuals often have needs far beyond simple shelter; they 
may need assistance with healthcare, substance abuse, mental illness, 
job training, or other basics of life. Providing shelter without any 
supportive services may fail to address some of the underlying problems 
that can cause an individual to become, and remain, homeless.
  By addressing the comprehensive needs of homeless individuals, the 
Samaritan Initiative will help reduce incidents of chronic 
homelessness. According to the Interagency Council on Homelessness, 
this 10 percent of the homeless population consumes more than half of 
the resources. The Samaritan Initiative will help provide the flexible 
resources necessary to move chronically homeless individuals into 
stable, permanent, supportive housing, which will in turn free up other 
resources.
  For many years now I have been a strong advocate for the Government 
Performance and Results Act, which requires a focus on outcomes through 
clear, measurable goals. I am pleased to say that the Samaritan 
Initiative embodies this outcome-based focus and requires visible, 
measurable, quantifiable performance outcomes in reducing and ending 
homelessness. A focus on outcomes, rather than case management or 
process, also allows for new, innovative solutions to chronic 
homelessness. This will ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in a 
responsible, effective manner.
  I am proud to say that the Samaritan Initiative is supported by The 
U.S. Conference of Mayors, The National Association of Counties, The 
National League of Cities, The Enterprise Foundation, The National 
Alliance for the Mentally Ill, the National AIDS Housing Coalition, The 
National Alliance to End Homelessness, The Corporation for Supportive 
Housing, the Association for Service Disabled Veterans, the National 
Coalition for Homeless Veterans, and many other groups. I look forward 
to working with them, along with my colleagues in the Senate, to end 
chronic homelessness in America.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 2829

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Samaritan Initiative Act of 
     2004''.

     SEC. 2. SAMARITAN INITIATIVE.

        Title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 11136 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

                   ``Subtitle H--Samaritan Initiative

     ``SEC. 495. PURPOSE.

       ``The purpose of this subtitle is to authorize competitive 
     grants for coordinated comprehensive housing, treatment, and 
     support services to chronically homeless persons--
       ``(1) to reduce the prevalence of chronic homelessness;
       ``(2) to support promising strategies to move chronically 
     homeless persons in urban and rural communities from the 
     streets to safe, permanent housing;
       ``(3) to provide for integrated systems of services to 
     improve the effectiveness of programs serving chronically 
     homeless persons;
       ``(4) to promote self-sufficiency and recovery among 
     chronically homeless persons; and

[[Page S9531]]

       ``(5) to encourage programs serving chronically homeless 
     persons to promote access to Federal, State, and local non-
     homeless specific programs of assistance for which such 
     persons are eligible.

     ``SEC. 495A. DEFINITIONS.

       ``For purposes of this subtitle, the following definitions 
     shall apply:
       ``(1) Chronically homeless person.--The term `chronically 
     homeless person' means an unaccompanied individual with a 
     disabling condition who--
       ``(A) has been sleeping in 1 or more places not meant for 
     human habitation, or in 1 or more emergency homeless 
     shelters, for longer than 1 year; or
       ``(B) has had 4 or more periods of homelessness that, in 
     total, have lasted more than 3 years.
       ``(2) Disabling condition.--The term `disabling condition' 
     means a diagnosable substance use disorder, serious mental 
     illness, developmental disability, or chronic physical 
     illness or disability, including the co-occurrence of 2 or 
     more of such conditions, that limits the ability of an 
     individual to work or perform one or more activities of daily 
     living.
       ``(3) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a 
     State, unit of general local government, public housing 
     agency, local workforce investment board, or private 
     nonprofit organization, including a faith-based or community-
     based organization.
       ``(4) Eligible veteran.--The term `eligible veteran' means 
     a person who served in the active United States military, 
     naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released 
     under conditions other than dishonorable.
       ``(5) Homeless management information system.--The term 
     `homeless management information system' shall means a 
     computerized data collection application maintained by an 
     eligible entity, that--
       ``(A) enumerates the homeless population within the 
     jurisdiction of the eligible entity and the number of 
     homeless individuals that received services from the eligible 
     entity; and
       ``(B) compiles information on the characteristics and 
     service needs of homeless individuals.
       ``(6) Homelessness.--The term `homelessness' means sleeping 
     in a place not meant for human habitation or in an emergency 
     homeless shelter.
       ``(7) Interagency implementation and monitoring team.--The 
     term `interagency implementation and monitoring team' means 
     the interagency implementation and monitoring team 
     established under section 495B(d).
       ``(8) Participating federal agency.--The term 
     `participating Federal agency' means the Departments of 
     Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, and 
     Veterans Affairs, or any other Federal agency that may 
     receive appropriations for purposes of participating under 
     the provisions of this subtitle.
       ``(9) Private nonprofit organization.--The term `private 
     nonprofit organization' means a private organization--
       ``(A) no part of the net earnings of which inures to the 
     benefit of any member, founder, contributor, or individual;
       ``(B) that has a voluntary board; and
       ``(C) that has an accounting system or a designated fiscal 
     agent in accordance with requirements established by the 
     participating Federal agencies.
       ``(10) Public housing agency.--The term `public housing 
     agency' has the same meaning as in section 3(b)(6) of the 
     United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(6)).
       ``(11) State.--The term `State' means any State of the 
     United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
     Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the 
     Northern Mariana Islands, or any agency or instrumentality 
     thereof that is established pursuant to legislation and 
     designated by the chief executive officer to act on behalf of 
     the State with regard to provisions of this subtitle.
       ``(12) Unit of general local government.--The term `unit of 
     general local government' means--
       ``(A) a city, town, township, county, parish, village, or 
     other general purpose political subdivision of a State; and
       ``(B) any agency or instrumentality thereof that is 
     established pursuant to legislation and designated by the 
     chief executive officer to act on behalf of the jurisdiction 
     with regard to provisions of this subtitle.

     ``SEC. 495B. GRANT AUTHORITY AND ADMINISTRATION.

       ``(a) In General.--The participating Federal agencies shall 
     enter into a cooperative agreement to make and administer 
     competitive grants to eligible entities, including faith-
     based and community-based organizations, in accordance with 
     the provisions of this subtitle for the purpose of providing 
     treatment and support services that are coordinated with the 
     provision of housing for chronically homeless persons.
       ``(b) Delegations.--No provision of this subtitle shall 
     limit the ability of the participating Federal agencies to 
     delegate, assign, or share administrative responsibilities as 
     the participating Federal agencies may determine to be 
     necessary or appropriate.
       ``(c) Coordination Among Participating Federal Agencies.--
     The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall 
     coordinate with the participating Federal agencies to 
     implement and administer the grant program established under 
     this subtitle.
       ``(d) Interagency Implementation and Monitoring Team.--The 
     participating Federal agencies shall establish an interagency 
     implementation and monitoring team to review and conduct 
     oversight of the award of grants, and the use of grant funds 
     awarded under this subtitle. Each participating Federal 
     agency shall appoint appropriate designees to serve on the 
     interagency implementation and monitoring team.
       ``(e) Coordination Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out this subtitle, the 
     interagency implementation and monitoring team shall, as 
     appropriate and to the extent feasible, establish uniform or 
     coordinated requirements, standards, procedures, and 
     timetables with respect to--
       ``(A) application procedures and grant requirements, 
     including those providing for--
       ``(i) a single consolidated application form; and
       ``(ii) a single timetable, location, and procedure for 
     filing of a consolidated application;
       ``(B) criteria for the award of grants;
       ``(C) a coordinated process for review and the approval or 
     denial of the consolidated application;
       ``(D) the establishment of performance standards and 
     measures of performance outcomes, including--
       ``(i) the requirement that the Secretary of Housing and 
     Urban Development attempt to quantify the reduction in 
     chronic homelessness; and
       ``(ii) the requirement that, where applicable, the grantees 
     utilize a homeless management information system;
       ``(E) oversight, including monitoring, audits, and 
     evaluations of grantees, and requirements for annual reports 
     by grantees; and
       ``(F) such other factors that the interagency 
     implementation and monitoring team determines are necessary 
     or appropriate.
       ``(2) Performance assessment.--
       ``(A) In general.--The interagency implementation and 
     monitoring team shall establish such performance standards, 
     performance measures, and annual reporting requirements, and 
     make such performance reviews and audits as may be necessary 
     or appropriate--
       ``(i) to determine whether a grantee has carried out its 
     activities in a timely manner and in accordance with the 
     applicable requirements of this subtitle;
       ``(ii) to assess the effectiveness of a grantee in 
     accomplishing the objectives of this subtitle; and
       ``(iii) for other purposes as the interagency 
     implementation and monitoring team determines significant 
     with respect to the performance assessment of a grantee.
       ``(B) Provision of support and staff.--The Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs may provide program monitoring and 
     evaluation services and staff to participating Federal 
     agencies. In such cases, participating Federal agencies may 
     reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs for the cost of 
     such staff and services.
       ``(f) Provisions and Requirements Applicable to Grants 
     Under This Subtitle.--
       ``(1) In general.--A grantee under this subtitle shall 
     establish and operate a system of assistance to chronically 
     homeless persons that identifies such persons and provides 
     them access to affordable permanent housing that is 
     coordinated with appropriate treatment and support.
       ``(2) Required grantee activities.--A grantee under this 
     subtitle shall carry out, directly or through arrangements 
     with a network of other entities, activities relating to the 
     housing, treatment, and support of homeless persons, which 
     may include the following:
       ``(A) Housing activities.--Eligible activities specified in 
     section 495C(a) that ensure the placement of chronically 
     homeless persons in safe, affordable, permanent housing.
       ``(B) Treatment and support activities.--Eligible 
     activities specified in section 495D(a) to address the 
     multiple physical health, mental health, and substance abuse 
     treatment needs of chronically homeless persons who are 
     eligible for or residents in housing under section 495C(a).
       ``(C) Service coordination.--Activities, including those 
     coordinated with local planning bodies, that promote the 
     access of eligible chronically homeless persons to a range of 
     services that contribute to self-sufficiency, recovery, 
     employment, stability in housing, and access to health care.
       ``(D) Administration.--Administrative and planning 
     activities, including the development and implementation of 
     comprehensive plans for housing and services at the grantee 
     level with costs not to exceed 6 percent of total costs of 
     carrying out the program under this subtitle.
       ``(E) Other services.--Such services and activities as the 
     participating Federal agencies may find necessary and 
     appropriate.
       ``(3) Criteria for grant award.--In awarding grants under 
     this subtitle, the participating Federal agencies shall 
     consider--
       ``(A) the extent to which the applicant demonstrates an 
     understanding of the unique characteristics of chronically 
     homeless persons;
       ``(B) the adequacy of the approach of the applicant in 
     addressing the needs of the chronically homeless;
       ``(C) the capacity of the applicant to carry out and 
     sustain required activities;
       ``(D) where services are to be provided through a network 
     of entities, the adequacy of the qualifications of such 
     entities, and the

[[Page S9532]]

     stated willingness of such entities, to collaborate and 
     participate in carrying out proposed activities;
       ``(E) the extent to which the applicant has been involved 
     in Federal, State, or local non-homeless specific programs of 
     assistance that could provide additional assistance to 
     eligible chronically homeless persons;
       ``(F) the commitment and the demonstrated ability of the 
     applicant to achieve the reduction in the number of 
     chronically homeless persons; and
       ``(G) such additional factors as the participating Federal 
     agencies may determine significant or necessary with respect 
     to the potential success of the applicant in carrying out the 
     purposes of this subtitle.
       ``(4) Initial term of grant.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, each grant awarded under this section shall 
     be for an initial term of 3 years.
       ``(5) Grant renewal.--Upon the expiration of a grant under 
     this section, the participating Federal agencies may award, 
     on a competitive basis, a renewal grant under this subtitle 
     for an additional 3-year term, subject to the continued 
     qualification of the grantee for the grant as determined by 
     the participating Federal agencies. The amount of a renewal 
     grant under this paragraph may be up to 50 percent of the 
     cost of the activities to be carried out by the grantee.
       ``(6) Federal matching.--
       ``(A) In general.--A grant under this subtitle shall be 
     available to pay the Federal share of the costs incurred by 
     the grantee for activities under this subtitle.
       ``(B) Federal share.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the 
     Federal share shall be--
       ``(i) 75 percent of the cost of the program for the first 
     year of the grant;
       ``(ii) 75 percent for the second year of the grant; and
       ``(iii) 50 percent for each succeeding year, including each 
     year of a renewal grant term under paragraph (5).
       ``(C) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share of costs 
     incurred by the grantee may be in cash or in-kind, as 
     appropriate.
       ``(7) Geographic distribution.--The participating Federal 
     agencies shall ensure that consideration is given to 
     geographic distribution (such as urban and rural areas) in 
     the awarding of grants under subsection (a).
       ``(8) Disclosure.--Section 12(a) of the Department of 
     Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3537a(a)) shall 
     not apply to this subtitle.
       ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       ``(1)  Fiscal year 2005.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out this subtitle $70,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2005, of which--
       ``(A) $50,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Department of Housing and Urban Development;
       ``(B) $10,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Department of Health and Human Services; and
       ``(C) Not more than $10,000,000 is authorized from the 
     amounts to be appropriated to the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs for treatment of homeless veterans under medical care 
     to carry out section 495D.
       ``(2) Fiscal years 2006, 2007, and 2008.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle such 
     sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2006, 2007, 
     and 2008.
       ``(h) Authority To Consolidate Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out this 
     subtitle, and in accordance with the agreement under 
     subsection (a), the participating Federal agencies are 
     authorized to transfer to the Secretary of Housing and Urban 
     Development funds appropriated for use under this subtitle, 
     and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may 
     receive such funds.
       ``(2) Rule of Construction.--Notwithstanding subsection 
     (g), in the event that funds are not appropriated for use in 
     accordance with this subtitle to one or more participating 
     Federal agencies in any fiscal year, paragraph (1) shall not 
     be construed to require a participating Federal agency that 
     has been provided with budget authority pursuant to 
     subsection (g) in a fiscal year to use such budget authority 
     to fund grants for activities that are not in accordance with 
     the primary mission of such participating Federal agency.
       ``(i) Technical Assistance and Support.--In addition to 
     funds otherwise provided for agency administrative costs, not 
     more than 2 percent of amounts appropriated for the 
     activities under this subtitle may be used by the 
     participating Federal agencies for administrative costs, 
     including costs associated with--
       ``(1) providing technical assistance to applicants and 
     grantees; and
       ``(2) providing support and assistance in selecting and 
     assessing projects to carry out this subtitle, including any 
     preparation necessary for such selection and assessment.

     ``SEC. 495C. HOUSING ACTIVITIES.

       ``(a) Eligible Housing Activities.--Subject to section 
     495B, a grant under this subtitle shall be used for 
     activities in support of permanent housing for chronically 
     homeless persons, including the following:
       ``(1) Provision of housing.--
       ``(A) Acquisition.--The acquisition of occupancy-ready real 
     property.
       ``(B) Rehabilitation.--The minor rehabilitation of real 
     property for housing.
       ``(C) Operating costs.--The costs of operating a housing 
     project, including salaries and benefits, maintenance, 
     insurance, utilities, replacement reserve accounts, and 
     furnishings.
       ``(D) Leasing.--Leasing of an existing structure or 
     structures, or portions thereof to provide housing.
       ``(E) Housing counseling.--The costs of counseling and 
     advice services with respect to property maintenance, 
     financial management, and other such matters as may be 
     appropriate to assist chronically homeless persons in 
     obtaining housing.
       ``(2) Rental assistance.--Project-based or tenant-based 
     rental assistance for chronically homeless persons, which 
     assistance shall be provided to the extent practicable, and 
     administered in the manner provided under the rules and 
     regulations governing the provision of assistance under 
     section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 
     1437f).
       ``(3) Other activities.--Such other activities as the 
     Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(b) Program Requirements for Housing Activities.--
       ``(1) Requirements concerning real property.--
       ``(A) Use restriction.--Each grantee under this subtitle 
     shall ensure that permanent housing for chronically homeless 
     persons that are acquired or rehabilitated with grant amounts 
     under this subtitle is used for such persons for not less 
     than 10 years.
       ``(B) Housing quality.--Each grantee under this subtitle 
     shall ensure that housing assisted with grant amounts 
     provided under this subtitle is decent, safe, and sanitary, 
     and complies with all applicable State and local housing 
     codes, building codes, and licensing requirements in the 
     jurisdiction in which the housing is located.
       ``(C) Prevention of undue benefit.--Subject to section 
     495B(e), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may 
     prescribe such terms and conditions as the Secretary 
     considers necessary to prevent grantees from unduly 
     benefiting from the sale or other disposition of projects, 
     other than a sale or other disposition resulting in the use 
     of a project for the direct benefit of chronically homeless 
     persons.
       ``(2) Homeless management information system.--Each grantee 
     shall be required to provide such information to the 
     appropriate administrator of the local homeless management 
     information system, as is necessary for the implementation 
     and operation of homeless management information systems.

     ``SEC. 495D. TREATMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES.

       ``Subject to section 495B, a grant under this subtitle 
     shall be used to provide treatment and support services, 
     which may include the following:
       ``(1) Primary health services.--Primary health services, 
     including the following:
       ``(A) Physician and other services.--Health services 
     related to family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, 
     obstetrics, or gynecology that are furnished by physicians 
     and where appropriate, physicians' assistants, nurse 
     practitioners, or nurse midwives.
       ``(B) Diagnostic services.--Diagnostic laboratory and 
     radiological services.
       ``(C) Preventive services.--Preventive health services.
       ``(D) Emergency services.--Emergency medical services.
       ``(E) Access to pharmaceutical services.--Access to 
     pharmaceutical services.
       ``(2) Alcohol and drug abuse services.--Services or 
     activities designed to prevent, deter, reduce, or eliminate 
     substance abuse or addictive behaviors, including a 
     comprehensive range of personal and family counseling 
     methods, early interventions, methadone treatment for opiate 
     abusers, or detoxification for alcohol and other drug 
     abusers, and treatment services such as intake and 
     assessment, behavioral therapy and counseling, clinical and 
     case management, pharmacotherapies, and self-help and peer 
     support activities.
       ``(3) Mental health and counseling services.--Mental health 
     and counseling services, including services and activities 
     that apply therapeutic processes to personal, family, or 
     situational problems in order to bring about a positive 
     resolution of the problem or improved individual functioning 
     or circumstances, including crisis interventions, individual 
     supportive therapy, and prescription of psychotropic 
     medications or explanations about the use and management of 
     medications.
       ``(4) Outreach and engagement.--Outreach services including 
     extending services or help to homeless persons to develop a 
     relationship of trust and engage such persons into 
     appropriate service programs.
       ``(5) Information and referral.--Services or activities 
     designed to provide information about services and assistance 
     provided through public and private programs, including 
     Federal, State and local non-homeless targeted programs that 
     provide or financially support the provision of medical, 
     social, educational, or other related services, and a brief 
     assessment of client needs to facilitate appropriate 
     referrals.
       ``(6) Case management.--Case management services and 
     activities, including the arrangement, coordination, 
     monitoring, and delivery of services to meet the needs of 
     individuals who are homeless, including individual service 
     plan development, counseling, monitoring, securing and 
     coordinating services.
       ``(7) Other services.--Such other services as the Secretary 
     of Health and Human Services determines appropriate.

[[Page S9533]]

     ``SEC. 495E. VETERANS' BENEFITS.

       ``Subject to section 495B, the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs is authorized to provide eligible veterans with case 
     management services.

     ``SEC. 495F. AUTHORITY OF OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES TO 
                   PARTICIPATE UNDER THIS SUBTITLE.

       ``Federal agencies other than the participating Federal 
     agencies may participate in the grant program established 
     under this subtitle to the extent that funds are appropriated 
     for such purpose to each agency.''.
                                 ______