February 12, 2025
Ms. Bonamici (for herself, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Ms. Norton, Mr. Grijalva, and Mr. Carter of Louisiana) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services
To reauthorize and expand the pilot program to help individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder become stably housed, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Supporting Transition And Recovery Through Housing Act of 2025
or the START Housing Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Reauthorization of Recovery Housing Program
Section 8071 of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (42 U.S.C. 5301 note) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking 2019 through 2023
and inserting 2026 through 2031
;
(B)
by striking for a period of not more than 2 years or
; and
(C)
by striking , whichever is earlier
;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by inserting , acting through the Office of Community Planning and Development in consultation with the Office of Special Needs Assistance,
before not later than
; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A), by striking allocated to
and inserting prioritized for
; and
(ii)
by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph:
(B) Priority
Among the States, priority shall be given to States with the greatest need, as such need is determined by the Secretary based on the following factors:
(i)
The highest average rates of unemployment based on data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for calendar years 2019 through 2023.
(ii)
The lowest average labor force participation rates based on data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for calendar years 2019 through 2023.
(iii)
The highest age-adjusted rates of drug overdose deaths based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(iv)
The highest rates of unsheltered homelessness as determined by the most recent annual point-in-time count of persons experiencing homelessness required by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360 et seq.).;
(3)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
by inserting , low-barrier
after effective
; and
(ii)
by inserting before the period at the end the following: with an expectation that persons participating in the program have access to stable housing upon exiting the program
; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
(4) Supplement not supplant
As a condition of receiving funds under this section, a State shall use such funds received under this section only to supplement the level of State or local funds that would, in the absence of the receipt of funds under this section, be made available for related housing and recovery services.
(5) Consultation
Each State that receives amounts pursuant to this section shall consult with continuums of care and public housing agencies to assess needs for implementing funds and developing a plan to support individuals receiving stable housing in connection with funding under this section with transfer to other housing at the end of the individuals’ eligibility.; and
(4)
by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following new subsection:
(f) Technical assistance
The Secretary may use not more than 2 percent of the funds made available under this section for technical assistance, to publish best practices, and to conduct outreach to grantees or potentially eligible participants.