Changes Proposed to Homeless Group Priority Access to Closing Military Facilities

The House of Representatives recently passed a housing authorization bill which included a provision to reduce the extent to which homeless assistance providers are given priority access to closing military facilities under the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. The McKinney Act, enacted prior to major base closings legislation, has been criticized for allowing homeless providers to leapfrog all other potential bidders for use of closed bases, regardless of the extent of the problem in the base's community, and to do so at any stage of the process. Further, property screening can be costly and time-consuming.
The proposed amendment would balance economic redevelopment concerns with homeless needs by specifying procedures for closing military bases. First, the local community develops a base reuse plan, to include addressing the needs of local homeless. Next, HUD determines whether the plan adequately addresses homeless needs. If HUD finds these needs are addressed adequately, the plan is forwarded to DoD for re-use without further screening. If, however, HUD finds these needs are not addressed adequately, the property would be screened under current McKinney procedures. The Institute has supported this effort and will continue to work with proponents as it moves to conference.

Bulletin No. 2 -- August 4, 1994