The Federal Response

The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act

Enacted in July 1987, the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act was the first major federal legislative response to homelessness. Intended to provide emergency relief for the countrys homeless population the Act has been extended and expanded four times since 1987.

This paper explains the background of the McKinney Act, the provisions and funding within the Act and its amendments.  It also outlines the Acts flaws and oversights.

The paper also addresses the political climates effect on the McKinney Act. This Act was intended as a first step towards a more comprehensive federal response. President Clinton proposed a plan to end homelessness in the United States, but with the Congressional changes in the 1994 mid-term elections, the future of the proposal is uncertain.

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