FL H0979

Requires the Department of Economic Opportunity to provide training and technical assistance to designated lead agencies of homeless assistance continuums of care, which must be delegated to nonprofit entities meeting requirements under section 420.531.

Establishes varying levels of "Challenge Grants" up to $500,000 per lead agency, with award levels based on population within the continuum of care catchment area and degree of homelessness, to be specified by the department in consultation with the Council on Homelessness.

Requires lead agencies receiving grants to develop and implement a local homeless assistance continuum of care plan with a coordinated assessment system and document matching funds or in-kind support equal to the grant requested.

Specifies grant funds may be used for housing, programs, or services in the continuum of care plan, with lead agencies permitted to provide subgrants and spend a maximum of 8 percent on administrative costs.

Requires lead agencies to submit a final report documenting outcomes in enabling homeless persons to return to permanent housing, with implementation contingent upon specific legislative appropriation and effective July 1, 2014.