HB 1022 Summary

• Establishes the Indiana housing first program to provide housing and support services for eligible homeless persons and chronically homeless individuals and families, administered by the Indiana housing and community development authority.

• Requires the authority to establish policies and procedures by January 1, 2018, that move eligible homeless persons into housing directly from streets or emergency shelters without preconditions such as employment, substance abuse treatment, education, or life skills requirements.

• Mandates support services including employment assistance, substance abuse treatment using harm reduction approaches, educational assistance, life skills training, and mental and physical health treatment based on assertive engagement rather than coercion.

• Establishes the Indiana housing first account within the state general fund, consisting of general assembly appropriations, investment earnings, and grants from foundations and other public or private sources, to fund the program.

• Requires partnerships with nonprofits, local governments, businesses, schools, public housing agencies, hospitals, law enforcement, and other entities to provide comprehensive support services and continuum of care for program participants.