Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK) introduced the “Flexibility in Addressing Rural Homelessness Act” (H.R. 7196) on March 24. The act would allow Continuums of Care in rural areas to operate with more flexibility in spending homelessness funding provided through the “McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.” The legislation would allow McKinney-Vento funding to be used for short-term emergency housing in motels or hotels, repairs to make housing fit for habitation, and staff training and capacity building. NLIHC endorsed the bill, as have the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the Housing Assistance Council, Community Solutions, and the National Homelessness Law Center.
Read a press release announcing the introduction of the bill at: https://bit.ly/3izvImz
Read the text of the “Flexibility in Addressing Rural Homelessness Act” at: https://bit.ly/3NqYd4a