VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program

This document affirms without any changes except for adding OMB information collection citations in part 61, to the provisions of an interim final rule that revised the regulations concerning the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. In large part the interim final rule implemented the provisions of the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001. The interim final rule also established provisions in the form of funding priorities to meet a statutory mandate. In addition, to help ensure that program objectives are met by those receiving assistance, the interim final rule added provisions to state that to receive assistance, an entity must not be in default by failing to meet requirements under any previously awarded grant. Further, the interim final rule made changes to provide that each resident of supportive housing may be required to pay rent in an amount determined by the recipient, except that such rent may not exceed 30 percent of the resident's monthly income not including amounts equal to medical expenses, child care expenses, or court-ordered payments. This was intended to provide a system that is administratively feasible, that allows for significant help for covering operating expenses, and that would allow veterans to retain sufficient funds to help prepare for a successful transition to independent living.