FR 2021-01463

Summary of the Document

The document published in the Federal Register by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announces a request for public comments regarding an information collection effort. This effort is centered around an evaluative data collection on the Pay for Success Permanent Supportive Housing Demonstration. This initiative is a collaboration between HUD and the Department of Justice (DOJ) aimed at reducing chronic homelessness by supporting housing for individuals frequently moving between jails and homelessness. The notice allows for a 60-day period during which the public can provide feedback on the necessity and efficiency of this data collection.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One concern arising from the document is the lack of clarity in the distribution of $8.68 million awarded to the demonstration sites. It is unclear how these funds are divided among the seven original grantees, which may raise questions about the equitable allocation of resources. Furthermore, the document does not offer a detailed breakdown of the estimated total annual cost of $5,400.68 for the information collection process, leaving a gap in understanding how these figures are derived.

Additionally, the document does not list specific organizations or individuals representing the grantee staff and stakeholders involved in the project. This omission could lead to concerns about potential favoritism or lack of transparency regarding the selection and participation of these stakeholders. The legal authority for the data collection is cited, but the context of how this authority applies to the specific information being collected isn't fully explained, which might require further clarification for those less familiar with legal terminology.

Moreover, the explanation of the Pay for Success (PFS) model is insufficient for readers unfamiliar with this funding mechanism. Understanding this model is crucial as it plays a central role in the housing demonstration initiative.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

For the general public, this document represents an opportunity to offer input on a governmental program directly affecting chronically homeless individuals. The involvement in public commentary can help ensure that federal actions align with community needs and expectations, particularly those concerning homelessness and public safety.

For specific stakeholders such as PFS grantees and community organizations involved in homelessness support, the notice serves as a chance to voice operational insights and suggestions, potentially improving the funding model's implementation. The feedback can lead to beneficial adjustments to optimize resource allocation and program execution.

On the downside, stakeholders may feel uncertain about participating if the processes are not transparent or if they perceive inequities in fund distribution and participant selection. The limited explanation of costs and models may also deter comprehensive stakeholder engagement, potentially stifling constructive feedback.

Overall, while this notice opens a crucial dialogue about an innovative program tackling homelessness, ensuring clarity, transparency, and inclusiveness in further communications will be vital in maximizing the program's success and its contributions to community welfare.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have collaborated on the HUD-DOJ Pay for Success Permanent Supportive Housing Demonstration. This initiative has resulted in the allocation of $8.68 million to seven communities, with the aim of developing supportive housing for individuals transitioning between jail or prison systems and homeless services. The funding model employed here is known as "Pay for Success" (PFS), which utilizes financial incentives to achieve specific outcomes.

Overview of Financial Allocation

The $8.68 million fund is a significant financial investment intended to address the complex challenges faced by individuals cycling between incarceration and homelessness. Each of the original seven grantees received a portion of this allocation to support various stages of the PFS lifecycle, including feasibility analysis, transaction structuring, outcome evaluation, and success payments. However, the document reveals that as of August 2020, one grantee is no longer part of the demonstration, leaving six communities actively involved.

Related Issues

A key issue identified is the lack of detail regarding how the $8.68 million is distributed among the six remaining grantees. This absence of specificity raises questions about whether the funds are equitably divided and if they adequately meet the unique needs of each community involved in the demonstration. Such transparency is crucial to ensure that the financial resources are being utilized effectively and fairly.

Additionally, the document estimates the total annual cost for the information collection component as $5,400.68. Though the estimate is provided, the document does not give a breakdown of how this figure was calculated. Understanding the composition of this annual cost is important for assessing whether it reflects a reasonable expenditure for the data collection activities described.

The lack of clarity concerning the identities of the PFS grantee staff and stakeholders further complicates the financial transparency. Without knowing the organizations or individuals who are the beneficiaries of these funds, there are potential concerns about accountability and favoritism in the fund's distribution and use.

In summary, while the document presents significant financial investments in the form of $8.68 million towards supporting housing initiatives, and $5,400.68 for the information collection component, it falls short in providing detailed financial transparency. Ensuring clear and equitable distribution, alongside comprehensive reporting of all financial aspects, is crucial for the effective implementation and evaluation of such federally funded programs.