Washington, D.C.—This week, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, has reintroduced the Housing Promotes Livelihood and Ultimate Success (Housing PLUS) Act, aimed at reforming the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) exclusive reliance on the so-called “Housing First” methodology.
Specifically, this bill directs the HUD Secretary to prioritize Continuum of Care (CoC) funding for providers that require wraparound services such as job training and addiction treatment, as well as for faith-based organizations. It mandates that no less than 50% of CoC funding be allocated to recipients that provide or facilitate access to these recovery-focused services. The bill also requires the Secretary to certify annually to Congress that HUD funding has been distributed accordingly, and to report on how allocations met these requirements.
“Those struggling with homelessness need housing PLUS services,” said Congressman Barr. “Up until 2013, HUD funded critical wraparound services in conjunction with housing to ensure homeless individuals break the cycle of homelessness permanently. The Housing PLUS Act ensures federal funds are reaching providers who are helping people transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency, without unneeded restrictions.”
“If we want to curb homelessness, we need to ensure that the service providers reaching this population can also help meet housing needs,” said Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. “The Housing PLUS Act helps take a more integrated approach and scraps the failed Housing First philosophy used by HUD. Thank you to Congressman Barr for his leadership and I look forward to working with him on this legislation in the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee.”
“I’m behind Rep. Barr and proud to cosponsor the Housing PLUS Act. This legislation rightly reinforces the importance of wraparound support, from job training and addiction recovery to faith-based programs, that help individuals reintegrate into society and regain stability,” said Rep. Warren Davidson, a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee and cosponsor of the bill.
In the past 15 years, we haven’t had a more promising or impactful tool to address homelessness than the Housing PLUS Act. This bill represents a true shift toward lasting, results-driven solutions.” Dr. Robert Marbut, former Federal "Homelessness Czar.
By redirecting federal resources toward programs that provide treatment and recovery for those experiencing homelessness—nearly 80% of whom also battle mental illness or addiction—the Housing PLUS Act confronts a humanitarian crisis a decade in the making and ends the cycle of despair and decline of individuals and communities,” Michele Steeb, Author of the “Answers Behind the RED DOOR: Battling the Homeless Epidemic and Visiting Fellow, Discovery Institute’s Fix Homelessness Initiative.”
"Homeless policy must foster sobriety, healing, and growth,” said John Bonura, Policy Analyst, Texas Public Policy Foundation. “As individuals stabilize, they must have access to job training, life skills, and other supportive services to ensure that housing can be obtained AND self-sustained. The Housing PLUS Act accomplishes this as the cornerstone of Congressman Barr’s legislation"
“The strength of a society is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable. The Housing First model has been a costly and ineffective failure. Rep. Barr’s Housing PLUS Act represents a critical shift, one that replaces wasteful spending with responsible, evidence-based approaches that help people get back on their feet,” said Bryan Sunderland, President of the Cicero Institute.
“Rep. Andy Barr’s Housing PLUS Act marks a critical step toward reversing America’s homeless crisis. By prioritizing HUD funds for programs that address mental illness and addiction, and restoring support for service-engagement requirements, the bill invests in lasting recovery and independence.” Steve Buri, CEO, Discovery Institute.
“Finding work is one of the biggest steps someone can take to rebuild their life after homelessness. At Jubilee Jobs, we connect people to meaningful employment, but that effort is only possible if housing programs support job training and placement. Congressman Barr’s Housing PLUS Act puts workforce development at the center of homelessness policy, which will directly impact our mission to empower people through jobs,” said Mason King, Chief Executive Officer of Jubilee Jobs of Lexington.
“At Isaiah House, we see firsthand how addiction recovery and stable housing must go hand in hand. The Housing PLUS Act recognizes this reality by prioritizing programs that integrate treatment, accountability, and life skills into housing solutions. Congressman Barr’s leadership will allow us to expand our mission of transforming lives and giving people a real path to recovery and independence,” said Kara Ball, Chief Development & Public Affairs Officer at Isaiah House.