The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act

The HEARTH Act, passed in 2009, aims to improve how communities address homelessness by providing more flexible funding and emphasizing prevention and rapid rehousing strategies. It consolidates previous programs to better coordinate resources, prioritize stability, and reduce episodes of homelessness. The act encourages local agencies to work together to quickly find housing solutions, preventing homelessness before it occurs and supporting those experiencing it to regain stability efficiently. Overall, it’s designed to make homeless assistance more effective, efficient, and responsive to individual needs.