HHS Awarded $96 Million for Homelessness Programs
The STREETS program provides eight communities with multi-year funding for substance use and mental health care.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has selected eight communities to receive a total of $96 million in federal funding. The STREETS program aims to establish comprehensive care systems for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders.
Why it matters
The program is designed to integrate street-based engagement, treatment, and recovery services to address the intersecting needs of vulnerable populations. By providing long-term funding, the initiative supports communities in building sustainable infrastructure for localized care.
The STREETS program provides $3 million in annual grant funding to each of the eight selected communities over a four-year period. This total commitment of $96 million is allocated for rapid, coordinated street-based treatment and recovery support.
The players
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
This federal executive department is responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services.
STREETS program
This federal grant initiative focuses on building systems of care for those experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders.
The details
The initiative targets communities struggling with homelessness, serious mental illness, and substance use. Selected recipients include Huntington, Montgomery County, Cherokee Nation, Detroit, Houston, Miami-Dade County, Robeson County, and Tangipahoa Parish.
Timeline
The Department of Health and Human Services announced the funding selection on September 25, 2026.
Huntington is scheduled to host a news conference regarding the grant on October 5, 2026.
Health Landscape
The STREETS program builds upon the long-standing federal framework established by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. It marks a significant shift by dedicating specific federal resources to integrate clinical treatment and recovery services directly into street-based outreach efforts.
Residents in the eight recipient communities can expect to see expanded access to immediate, street-based treatment and recovery support services. These resources are designed to facilitate more consistent care for individuals struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders.
The takeaway
This funding represents a sustained commitment to addressing the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness through coordinated local health systems. Communities will now have the financial stability to maintain these vital street-level support services over the next four years.
What happens next
Huntington will host a news conference at 11 a.m. on October 5, 2026, to discuss the details of their $3 million annual award.
Further reading
Learn more about federal efforts to address public health in United States Substance Abuse.
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Do you believe federal grant programs effectively help your community address homelessness and addiction?
