New CoC Interim Rule Will Increase Mobility for Homeless Individuals and Families

On June 14, 2016, HUD published the interim rule “Continuum of Care Program-Increasing Mobility Options for Homeless Individuals and Families with Tenant-Based Rental Assistance,” which will apply two amendments to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program regulations. The first amendment will permit program participants to retain their tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) if the individual or family moves outside of their CoC’s geographical area. The second amendment will exempt CoC recipients and subrecipients from complying with all non-statutory program regulations when a program participant moves in order to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. HUD has elected to forego an advance notice for public comment because “a delay would be contrary to the public interest.” The interim rule becomes effective on July 15, 2016, but public comment will be accepted until August 15, 2016.

HUD is seeking comments from providers on the impact of exempting CoC recipients and subrecipients from non-statutory requirements when a program participant moves outside the CoC area to flee an imminent threat/violence and when participants request to move outside the area in order to access better opportunities and resources, and to support mobility. Comments are accepted online at: https://federalregister.gov/a/2016-13684.