Path Projects For Assistance In Transition From Homelessness PDF Download

Pursuant to a congressional request and a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Projects for Assistance in Transition From Homelessness (PATH) Program, focusing on how: (1) HHS ensures that PATH expenditures are consistent with the 1990 McKinney Act amendments; (2) HHS and states ensure that PATH funds reach the target population; and (3) local providers assess the appropriateness of homeless individuals receiving PATH services. GAO found that: (1) PATH program controls help ensure that states use PATH grants to fund eligible services for the target population; (2) the PATH program has a three-step application review and follow-up process; (3) the 1990 McKinney Act amendments require PATH grantees to annually report their prior fiscal year program activities and expenditures; (4) HHS on-site monitoring includes observing selected local provider activities and meetings between program coordinators; (5) state-level program controls are designed to help ensure program integrity; (6) states hold local providers accountable for delivering the agreed-to services by conducting periodic site visits and requiring providers to report their anticipated outcomes; and (7) many local providers perform mental health assessments to ensure that PATH services reach the target population.