START Housing Act of 2025

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) by striking 2019 through 2023 and inserting 2026 through 2031;

(B) by striking for a period of not more than 2 years or; and

(C) by striking, whichever is earlier;

(2) in subsection (b)—

(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting, acting through the Office of Community Planning and Development in consultation with the Office of Special Needs Assistance, before not later than; and

(B) in paragraph (2)—

(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking allocated to and inserting prioritized for; and

(ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph:

Among the States, priority shall be given to States with the greatest need, as such need is determined by the Secretary based on the following factors:

(i) The highest average rates of unemployment based on data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for calendar years 2019 through 2023.

(ii) The lowest average labor force participation rates based on data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for calendar years 2019 through 2023.

(iii) The highest age-adjusted rates of drug overdose deaths based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(iv) The highest rates of unsheltered homelessness as determined by the most recent annual point-in-time count of persons experiencing homelessness required by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360 et seq.).

(3) in subsection (c)—

(A) in paragraph (2)—

(i) by inserting, low-barrier after effective; and

(ii) by inserting before the period at the end the following: with an expectation that persons participating in the program have access to stable housing upon exiting the program; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:; and

As a condition of receiving funds under this section, a State shall use such funds received under this section only to supplement the level of State or local funds that would, in the absence of the receipt of funds under this section, be made available for related housing and recovery services.

Each State that receives amounts pursuant to this section shall consult with continuums of care and public housing agencies to assess needs for implementing funds and developing a plan to support individuals receiving stable housing in connection with funding under this section with transfer to other housing at the end of the individuals’ eligibility.

(4) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following new subsection:

The Secretary may use not more than 2 percent of the funds made available under this section for technical assistance, to publish best practices, and to conduct outreach to grantees or potentially eligible participants.