Homeless Assistance Consolidation Act of 2006

H.R. 5041, the Homeless Assistance Consolidation Act of 2006, proposes to streamline federal efforts to address homelessness by consolidating various programs under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bill would establish local "continuum of care" boards—private nonprofit organizations responsible for planning and implementing community-wide strategies to prevent and end homelessness.

For citizens and local communities, this legislation would expand the types of groups eligible for federal funding to include faith-based organizations and provide new incentives for creating permanent housing for the chronically homeless. Additionally, the bill introduces stronger protections for residents in assisted housing by prohibiting the termination of tenancy except for serious lease violations or illegal activity. The overall goal is to shift toward a more collaborative, locally-led model for providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and long-term support services.