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Create a table comparing and contrasting the eligibility rules of two different agencies that offer the same type of program. Refer to Table 6.1 on p. 117 of the text. Select one government agency and either a private or faith-based agency that offers a program for the homeless. Do not select the same agency you chose to analyze throughout the course. Write a brief summary of what you consider the key differences between the eligibility rules of the two agencies. Post your table as an attachment.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Social programs aimed at assisting the homeless are vital components of social policy, with diverse structures and eligibility criteria depending on whether they are administered by government or private organizations. Understanding the distinctions in eligibility rules across these agencies is crucial for designing effective interventions and ensuring equitable access to resources. This paper compares the eligibility requirements of a government agency and a faith-based agency offering services for the homeless, highlighting key differences and implications for service delivery.
Comparison of Agencies and Eligibility Rules
The selected government agency for this comparison is the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), specifically its Continuum of Care (CoC) program. The private agency chosen is a faith-based organization, the Salvation Army, which provides homeless outreach and shelter services. Both agencies aim to assist the homeless but operate under distinct eligibility frameworks influenced by their organizational structures, funding sources, and mission statements.
| Criteria | Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - CoC Program | The Salvation Army Shelter Program |
|---|---|---|
| Residency and Eligibility | Must reside within the jurisdiction of the participating Continuum of Care; homeless status confirmed through the Coordinated Entry System. | Must be experiencing homelessness; no specific geographic restrictions, but priority may be given to local residents. |
| Income Level | Income must be below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI); eligibility based on documented income verification. | No explicit income requirement; priority given to those in severe financial distress, but clients are usually assessed for income to determine service eligibility. |
| Documentation Required | Proof of homelessness (e.g., HUD Homeless Certification form), income documentation, and residency verification. | Identification, proof of homelessness, and sometimes proof of income or need, depending on specific program rules. |
| Additional Criteria | Must be chronically homeless or at imminent risk; follow specific prioritization based on acuity and vulnerability. | May prioritize based on vulnerability, age, or health needs; less rigid in chronicity criteria. |
| Restrictions | Restrictions pertain mostly to program-specific rules; generally require cooperation with case management plans. | Restrictions vary but often focus on behavioral compliance and willingness to participate in recovery programs. |
Summary and Key Differences
The primary distinction between the eligibility rules of HUD's CoC program and the Salvation Army's shelter services lies in their focus and strictness of criteria. HUD’s program emphasizes income levels and homelessness chronicity, with formal documentation and specific residency requirements, aligning with federal income and housing policies to target the most vulnerable populations. Conversely, the Salvation Army adopts a more flexible approach, emphasizing immediate needs and willingness to participate in recovery efforts, with fewer income restrictions and more emphasis on behavioral factors.
While HUD’s eligibility criteria are structured to ensure resources serve the most at-risk individuals based on income and chronic homelessness, the Salvation Army’s less restrictive approach allows for a broader inclusion of individuals facing homelessness or severe hardship, potentially accommodating those who might not meet strict federal thresholds but are in urgent need of assistance.
This difference reflects organizational missions; HUD's approach is strictly policy-driven, targeting systemic issues of housing insecurity, while faith-based agencies often prioritize compassion and immediate relief, sometimes at the expense of formal eligibility thresholds. Both models are essential in a comprehensive social policy framework, yet they serve different populations and operational philosophies.
Conclusion
Understanding the diverse eligibility criteria across federal and faith-based agencies highlights the layered nature of social support systems for the homeless. The structured, income and chronicity-focused rules of HUD’s CoC program contrast with the more flexible, needs-based approach of the Salvation Army. These differences underscore the importance of multiple pathways to support, ensuring wider access and tailored interventions for various subpopulations within the homeless community. Policymakers and practitioners must recognize these distinctions to optimize service delivery, coordinate efforts, and ultimately reduce homelessness more effectively.
References
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Continuum of Care Program. HUD.gov. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/homeless/programs/coc
- The Salvation Army. (2023). Homeless Services. SalvationArmyUSA.org. https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/homeless-services/
- Burt, M. R., & McGinty, J. (2003). Homelessness: A sourcebook. Urban Institute.
- Fitzpatrick, S., et al. (2011). Confronting homelessness: A cross-national perspective. European Journal of Homelessness, 5(2), 1-34.
- Tsemberis, S. (2010). Housing First: The Pathways Model to End Homelessness for People with Mental Illness and Addiction. Hazelden Publishing.
- National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2020). Federal homelessness assistance. https://endhomelessness.org
- Padgett, D. K., et al. (2016). Housing First services for individuals who are homeless with serious mental illness: An evaluation of the literature. Community Mental Health Journal, 52(3), 319-321.
- Craig, E. (2015). Faith-based initiatives in social services: Impacts and implications. Journal of Social Policy, 44(1), 107-125.
- Shinn, M., & Weitzman, B. C. (1990). Homelessness: Opportunities for prevention. American Psychologist, 45(11), 1245-1252.
- Larimer, M., & Keller, J. (2014). Housing and homeless prevention strategies. Journal of Urban Affairs, 36(2), 105-123.