Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness
Summary and Purpose
The State of California has received federal homeless funds annually since 1985, initially through the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Block Grant, and beginning in state fiscal year (FY) 1991-92, through the McKinney Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) formula grant. The PATH grant funds community based outreach, mental health and substance abuse referral/treatment, case management and other support services, as well as a limited set of housing services for adults who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness.
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) distributes PATH funding to counties that elect to participate in the PATH program. While local programs serve thousands of homeless persons with realignment funds and other local revenues, the PATH grant augments these programs by providing services to approximately 8,300 additional persons annually. Each county determines the use of PATH funds based on local priorities and needs. These targeted funds provide much needed services to an extremely vulnerable population throughout California.
The most fundamental goal for PATH programs is outreach and engagement to persons who would otherwise not receive services due to the combined conditions of homelessness and serious mental illness. PATH programs work to connect individuals with existing mainstream mental health, substance use, housing, and other programs.
In accordance with federal procedures, DHCS's PATH and housing staff have developed guidelines that define the counties' responsibilities to clients who are homeless and have a mental illness. Counties receiving PATH funds must develop a service plan and budget annually for utilization of the funds. The service plan must describe each program setting and the services and activities provided as well as the estimated number of persons served. Each county that receives PATH funds has established one or more programs of outreach to, and/or services for, persons who are homeless and have a serious mental illness.
DHCS requires that all programs provide outreach and case management services.
Services Covered by PATH
- Primary Service Referrals
- Outreach
- Habilitation and Rehabilitation
- Community Mental Health
- Alcohol/Drug Treatment
- Staff Training
- Referrals for primary health care, job training, educational services, and housing
- Housing services as specified in Section 522(b)(10) of the Public Health Service Act
- Screening and Diagnostic Treatment
PATH Report
PATH providers are required to submit quarterly and yearly programmatic data that includes, but is not limited to:
- Demographic information of enrolled individuals, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, veteran status, prior living situation, and chronic homelessness status
- Services provided by PATH-funded staff
- Referrals provided and attained
- Outcomes, including health insurance, benefits acquisition, and housing status at program exit
DHCS compiles the data into the PATH Data Exchange and submits a report to SAMHSA encompassing the above data points for that particular State Fiscal Year (SFY).
DHCS submits the annual FFY PATH Report to SAMHSA to report progress on identified goals in the State Plan, and report state agency expenditures projected in the biennial PATH Application.
To access California's current, approved PATH Report, or a prior FFY Application Report, visit SAMHSA's Web-based Grant Application System (WebBGAS); Username: citizenca; Password: citizen. Once you have logged in click on "View an Existing Application."
Public Policy and Collaboration
In an effort to improve and expand services to individuals experiencing homelessness with a serious mental illness or substance use disorder, PATH staff participate in federal, state, and local groups involved in developing effective public policy related to homelessness. Other PATH staff responsibilities include providing information and education on the needs of persons who are homeless and have a mental illness, and serving as liaisons to State and local organizations.
PATH Resources