Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To provide resources to reduce or eliminate homelessness for individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) and co-occurring substance use disorders (COD) who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. PATH funds are used to provide a menu of allowable services, including outreach, case management, and services not traditionally supported by mental health programs.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- U.S. Territory Government
PATH grants are distributed annually to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each state or territory solicits proposals and awards funds to local public or nonprofit organizations, known as PATH providers.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Applications are reviewed for completeness and for compliance with legislative requirements. Grant awards are issued directly by the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to the designated State agency.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 30 to 60 days
Approximately 8 weeks.
Program details & compliance
Description
SAMHSA’s Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) funds services for people with serious mental illness (SMI) experiencing homelessness.
SAMHSA’s PATH Program is a formula grant authorized by the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1990 and was reauthorized by Section 1218 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328). PATH, part of the first major federal legislative response to homelessness, is administered by the SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS).
Mission Categories
Primary: Homelessness Prevention
Other categories:
Mental Health
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Funds may be used at the discretion of the State to achieve the described objectives except that funds cannot be used: (1) To support emergency shelters or construction of housing facilities; (2) for inpatient psychiatric or substance abuse treatment costs; or (3) to make cash payments to intended recipients of mental health or substance abuse services. Not more than 20 percent of the payment may be expended for housing services; not more than 4 percent of the total allocation may be expended for administrative expenses. The applicants must agree that the payments will be expended solely for making grants to political subdivisions of the State, and to nonprofit private entities (including community-based veterans organizations and other community organizations) for the purpose of providing the services.
Restrictions
Funds may be used at the discretion of the State to achieve the described objectives except that funds cannot be used: (1) To support emergency shelters or construction of housing facilities; (2) for inpatient psychiatric or substance abuse treatment costs; or (3) to make cash payments to intended recipients of mental health or substance abuse services. Not more than 20 percent of the payment may be expended for housing services; not more than 4 percent of the total allocation may be expended for administrative expenses. The applicants must agree that the payments will be expended solely for making grants to political subdivisions of the State, and to nonprofit private entities (including community-based veterans organizations and other community organizations) for
Required Documentation
This program is subject to 2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards.
Matching Requirements
The formula is cited in Section 524 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended by Public Law 101-645. The formula allots funds on the basis of the population living in urbanized areas of the State, compared to the population living in urbanized areas of the entire United States except that no State receives less than $300,000 ($50,000 for Territories). States must agree to make available, directly or through donations from public or private entities, nonfederal contributions equal to not less than $1 (in cash or in kind) for each $3 of Federal funds provided in such grant. Territories have no matching requirements.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
Effective December 13, 2016, the Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirement under Section 522(g) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290cc-22) of this title has been removed by Section 9004 (b) 21st Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-255).
The amendment to the PATH program statute does not eliminate MOE compliance requirements that are unresolved from years preceding this amendment. Please consult your Government Project Officer for additional guidance.