This historical report synthesizes the findings of six evaluations of homeless programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The report responds to a congressional mandate that HUD "conduct a comprehensive review and evaluation of each program [it administers] under Title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act." The principal conclusion of the report is that the time is right to consolidate and simplify the McKinney programs. The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-77) was the Nation’s first attempt at a comprehensive response to homelessness among individuals and families with children. The Act originally created 20 programs for the homeless that were administered by 9 Federal agencies. Appropriations, which in FY89 were $0.5 billion, have been increased each year. Appropriations totaled $1.35 billion in FY94. HUD is responsible for directing six major programs that together expend nearly 70 percent of all appropriations.

This report is part of the collection of scanned historical documents available to the public.