The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued updated program guidance regarding the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP). HDAP offers funding to county agencies or tribal governments to assist homeless disabled individuals with applying for disability benefits programs while providing housing assistance. 39 counties currently have HDAP programs. HDAP requires grantees to offer outreach, case management, advocacy and housing assistance concurrently.
Assistance should be provided until disability benefits are granted and the participant is stabilized in permanent housing. A dollar-for-dollar grantee match is also required.
There are several changes to the program because of legislation in 2019. These changes include: 1) Funding is now available for federally recognized tribal governments; 2) Priority for assistance is for chronically homeless individuals or homeless persons who rely most heavily on government-funded services; 3) Programs can consider providing housing assistance after disability benefits are granted until housing placement is stable and affordable; 4) Case management staff must assist in developing a transition plan for housing support when disability benefits are granted or denied.
HDAP continues its principles of housing first, collaboration among programs and prioritizing assistance is for chronically homeless individuals or homeless persons who rely most heavily on government-funded services. Providing services on first-come, first-served basis or by most likely to find housing is improper.
Required program components continue to be outreach, case management, benefits advocacy and housing assistance. Limiting outreach to General Assistance/General Relief applicants or recipients is insufficient.
Additional program components include transition planning, workforce development for participants not likely to be eligible for disability benefits, interim assistance reimbursement, and data gathering. (ACL 19-104, November 1, 2019.)