Rep. Calvert Reintroduces Bill to Improve Mental Health and Drug Abuse Treatment for Homeless Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – RealEstateRama – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) reintroduced the Treatment and Homelessness Housing Integration Act, H.R. 577, to help connect homeless Americans receiving federal housing assistance with treatment for substance abuse and behavioral health disorders.

“A significant number of homeless individuals are suffering from drug abuse and/or mental health issues, and require more help than housing,” said Rep. Calvert. “The Treatment and Homelessness Housing Integration Act aims to address this problem by synchronizing federally funded housing programs together with federally funded behavioral health services. I simply don’t believe we can adequately address our homeless crisis unless we address the mental health or drug abuse challenges present in so many of these individuals.”

Background

Today, a significant percentage of the homeless population have untreated mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Due to the severity of these illnesses and the scarcity of appropriate treatment in most states, this population often deteriorates on the streets with little hope of receiving proper care.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, while promoting subsidized housing, fails to explicitly require the homeless population to participate in a mental health and substance abuse treatment program. The consequences of prioritizing housing over access to life-saving psychiatric treatment include continued illness and reduced participation in homeless housing and services.

Summary of the Treatment and Homelessness Housing Integration Act:

• The bill would direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a five-year demonstration program to refer qualified participants within the Continuum of Care Program to the nearest Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).
• Additionally, this bill would require HUD to report on the effectiveness of the demonstration program and the number of individuals served that receive SSI and SSDI benefits.
• Last Congress, CCBHCs received authorization to scale this program to all fifty states. CCBHCs provide comprehensive physical and behavioral health care services and are required to serve anyone requesting care for mental health or substance use. These clinics are also mandated to provide 24/7 crisis intervention services. Through this integrated approach, communities can more effectively address the needs of the homeless, addiction, and mental illnesses.

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