Projects for Assistance in Transition From Homelessness

According to ExpectMore.gov, Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) is a federal grant funding source that help states provide various services to mentally ill homeless people and those are in danger of becoming homeless.

History

The Stewart B. McKinney Act (PL100-77) was signed into law by Ronald Reagan in 1987. It was recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which called it, "the first, and remains the only, major federal legislative response to homelessness." Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) was enacted under McKinney. States can and do apply for PATH grants to serve homeless people with mental illness. The law has been amended in recent years and is now part of the No Child Left Behind initiative.

Function

PATH is available to all states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. PATH enables states to serve homeless individuals who meet specific critera. Not al homeless people qualify for PATH program help. PATH programs provide outreach to homeless individuals who qualify for state aid. PATH's function is to provide services to mentally ill homeless individuals, who otherwise would have no recourse and who, by virtue of mental illness, are unable to make reasonable decisions about treatment for their conditions. The McKinney Act makes this important outreach to the homeless possible.

Types

Each state and territory provides types of services that are outlined in the SAMHSA Report of the Consumer Involvement Workgroup. Between consumer and volunteer services, PATH programs provide outreach services, referrals, case management, residential setting services, habilitation and rehabilitation services, mental health services, screening and diagnostic services and substance abuse treatment. States find ways to reach out to citizens who fade into the margins of their communities. Portland, Oregon, for example, implemented a transition program for women.

Features

PATH incorporates an unusual and distinctive method of serving its consumers. Mentally ill individuals who have been helped perform outreach to other mentally ill homeless persons. This consumer-driven approach reassures individuals who may have experienced difficult contact with aid programs. Those who require help are supported and feel that their issues are understood. Importantly, the former homeless serve as living proof that help is real and achievable.

Expert Insight

ExpectMore.gov, a PATH program assessment tool, is an excellent source of information about the effectiveness of Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness. Rated as "Moderately Effective," PATH programs have made some advances. In 2003, the number of homeless individuals who accepted services increased by 37 percent, and costs for treatment dropped. . Further, PATH needs to streamline its administrative functions. Improvement plans include feasibility studies and data definition.

Resources

• Expect More.gov: Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness
• Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness
• The Stewart B. McKinney Act