Resource Details

Using HRSA Health Center Funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to Improve Systems of Care for People Experiencing Homelessness

Year Developed: 2021

Resource Type: Publication.

Primary Audience: Administrative Staff C-Suite (CEOs, CFOs, CIO, COOs, CMOs, etc.)
Secondary Audience: Clinicians PCAs

Language(s): English

Developed by: National Health Care for the Homeless Council (See other resources developed by this organization).

Resource Summary: As part of a larger $10 billion dollar investment to expand vaccine access in hardest-hit and high-risk communities, $6 billion dollars is being allocated by HRSA to 1,376 health centers to expand access to care. This funding presents a substantial opportunity to meet immediate needs and also improve systems of care for people experiencing homelessness. Read our issue brief on funding possibilities.

Resource Details: On March 25, 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a $6.1 billion investment from the American Rescue Plan Act for community health centers to respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and enhance health care services and infrastructure. Subsequently, HRSA identified a wide range of approved uses for these resources and distributed the funds to 1,376 health centers, which provide health care and support services to approximately 30 million people (including nearly 1.5 million people experiencing homelessness). In many cases, individual allocations represent a significant level of funding. The COVID-19 pandemic has left health centers with critical budgetary, staffing, and other programmatic shortfalls that these funds can be used to address. However, the funding also poses a unique opportunity to expand on the partnerships developed during the COVID19 pandemic and meet broader health care needs. This issue brief is intended to outline uses of the funding, encourage health centers to collaborate with Continuums of Care or other community partners (especially those with Health Care for the Homeless programs), and connect multiple funding opportunities in order to improve systems of care for people experiencing homelessness.

Resource Topic: Clinical Issues, Emerging Issues, Operations, Special and Vulnerable Populations

Resource Subtopic: COVID-19, Administrative Policies, Health Equity, Community, Health, and Housing Partnerships.

Keywords: Persons Experiencing Homelessness, Planning.