Homelessness Programs and Resources

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is one of the leading federal agencies addressing the issue of housing stability for individuals with serious mental illness, in addition to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). On May 18, 2023, we joined other federal agencies as well as state and local leaders to launch ALL INside, a first-of-its kind initiative to address unsheltered homelessness across the country.

SAMHSA funds several key programs aimed at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.

Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS)

• Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH): This program funds services for people with serious mental illness (SMI) experiencing homelessness. PATH grants are distributed annually to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each state or territory solicits proposals and awards funds to local public or nonprofit organizations, known as PATH providers.
• Treatment for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness (TIEH): This program expands access to mental and substance use disorders treatment for people experiencing homelessness along with a serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, or co-occurring disorders. The goal of the program is to increase access to evidence-based treatment services, peer support, services that support recovery, and connections to permanent housing. In Aug 2023, SAMHSA announced 31 awards totaling $15.8 million.
• SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR): This program increases access to Social Security disability benefits for eligible children and adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or co-occurring substance use disorder.
• Healthy Transitions: Improving Life Trajectories for Youth and Young Adults with Serious Mental Disorders Program: This program improves and expands access to developmentally, culturally and linguistically appropriate services and supports for transition-aged youth and young adults (ages 16–25) who either have, or are at risk for developing, serious mental health conditions, and who may also be experiencing homelessness. In September 2023, SAMHSA announced the award of $16.4 million for this program.
• Grants for Expansion and Sustainability of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance, also known as the Children’s Mental Health Initiative (CMHI): This program provides resources to improve the mental health outcomes for children and youth, birth through age 21, at risk for or with SEDs, and their families, and who may also be experiencing homelessness. In September 2023, SAMHSA announced the award of $48.3 million for this program.

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)

• Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals (GBHI): This program provides comprehensive, coordinated, and evidence-based treatment and services for individuals, including youth, and families with SUDs or co-occurring mental and SUDs who are experiencing homelessness. In August 2023, SAMHSA announced the award of $15.3 million for this program.
• Minority HIV/AIDS Fund: Integrated Behavioral Health and HIV Care for Unsheltered Populations Pilot Project: This pilot program provides comprehensive healthcare for racial and ethnic medically underserved people experiencing unsheltered homelessness through the delivery of portable clinical care delivered outside that is focused on the integration of behavioral health and HIV treatment and prevention services. In October 2023, SAMHSA announced the award of $1.9 million for this program.

Related SAMHSA Resources

• SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR)
• Criminal and Juvenile Justice
• Mental and Substance Use Disorders
• Trauma and Violence
• Veterans and Military Families