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

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) introduced the Treatment and Homeless Housing Integration Act (THHIA), H.R. 7186, legislation to help connect homeless Americans receiving federal housing assistance with treatment for substance abuse and behavioral health disorders. The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Chavez-Deremer (OR-05), Issa (CA-48), LaMalfa (CA-01), and Valadao (CA-22).

“After spending billions of taxpayer dollars on well-intentioned federal homeless programs, it’s clear our current approach is simply not working,” said Rep. Calvert. “Huge percentages of our homeless population are falling through the cracks of our homeless programs because they are not getting the treatment they need for their mental health or drug abuse challenges. 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.”

“Ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive the health care services they need is an important first step toward helping them access transitional or permanent housing,” said Rep. Chavez-DeRemer said. “Like my DIRECT Care for the Homeless Act, the Treatment and Homelessness Housing Integration Act would help connect homeless Americans with dual diagnosis care to break the cycle of substance abuse, mental illness, and poverty. I appreciate Congressman Calvert’s leadership and look forward to working together to address the homelessness crisis.”

“America today is facing unprecedented challenges in dealing with substance abuse, mental health, and homelessness,” said Rep. Issa. “I’m supporting the THHIA, because it seeks to leverage existing resources and engage communities in every corner of this country. We are going to need bold ideas and creative approaches to make a real difference, and my friend Rep. Calvert’s bill does just that.”

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

• THHIA would direct HUD to fill this gap by requiring grantees of the Continuum of Care Program to refer program participants to community-based treatment. Homeless individuals who qualify for permanent supportive housing by receiving SSI and SSDI benefits would be referred to the nearest Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). The coordination of housing and treatment for SSI and SSDI beneficiaries would establish a comprehensive support system to provide a pathway towards self-sufficiency.

• 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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