Converting Military Bases and Other Vacant Federal Property to Aid Homeless People

The Base Closure Community Redevelopment Act of 1994 presents significant opportunities for groups working with homeless people in communities with base closures.  This act requires that the needs of homeless people must be considered when surplus military property becomes available.

Because there is a complex process involved obtaining help from local counsel and government is critical.  It will help ensure that local providers can use the law to benefit the homeless people in their communities.

This article argues that the 1994 Act could help reintegrate homeless people into their communities. It outlines several examples where closed military bases have been converted to transitional housing, permanent housing or used to create other resources for homeless individuals and families.

The case studies also detail obstacles that advocacy groups faced, how they were overcome, and lessons learned for future projects.

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