Mainstream (MS)

The following definitions are established by HUD and are used by the HASA to determine eligibility for the Mainstream (MS) Voucher Program. These definitions are presented exactly as required by HUD and should not be altered. The format below is intended to make the criteria clearer for applicants and referring agencies. 

Non-Elderly Person with Disabilities

For purposes of determining eligibility for the Mainstream Voucher Program,  a non-elderly person with disabilities is:

A person 18 years of age or older but less than 62 years of age, and who: 

1. Has a disability, as defined in 42 U.S.C. 423;
2. Is determined, pursuant to HUD regulations, to have a physical, mental, or emotional impairment that:
   1. Is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration;
   2. Substantially impedes their ability to live independently; and
   3. Is of such a nature that the ability to live independently could be improved by more suitable housing conditions; or
3. Has a developmental disability as defined in 42 U.S.C. 6001

Institutional or Other Segregated Settings

Include, but are not limited to:

1. Congregate settings populated exclusively or primarily with individuals with disabilities;
2. Congregate settings characterized by regimentation in daily activities, lack of privacy or autonomy, policies limiting visitors, or limits on individuals' ability to engage freely in community activities and manage their own activities of daily living; or 
3. Settings that provide for daytime activities primarily with other individuals with disabilities.

At Serious Risk of Institutionalization

Includes an individual with a disability who, as a result of a public entity's failure to provide community services or cuts to such services, will likely experience a decline in health, safety, or welfare that would lead to institutional placement.

This includes individuals experiencing:

• Lack of access to supportive services for independent living,
• Long waiting lists for or lack of access to housing combined with community-based services,
• Poor housing conditions or homelessness with barriers to geographic mobility, and/or 
• Living alone but requiring supportive services for independent living.

A person cannot be considered "at serious risk of institutionalization" unless they have a disability.

An individual may be designated as such by:

• A health and human services agency,
• A community-based organization, or
• Self-identification.

Persons Currently Experiencing Homelessness

1. An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;
2. An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence, provided that:
   1. The primary nighttime residence will be lost within 14 days of the date of application for homeless assistance;
   2. No subsequent residence has been identified; and
   3. The individual or family lacks the resources or support networks (family, friends, faith-based or other social networks) needed to obtain other permanent housing;
3. Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or families with children and youth, who do not otherwise qualify as homeless under this definition, but who meeet one of the additional requirements detailed in the HASA HCV Administrative Plan;
4. Any individual or family who:
   1. Is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions related to violence that has taken place within or made them afraid to return to their primary nighttime residence;
   2. Has no other residence; and
   3. Lacks resources or support networks needed to obtain other permanent housing.

At Risk of Experiencing Homelessness

An individual or family who:

1. Does not have sufficient resources or support networks (family, friends, faith-based or other social networks) immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter or another place described in the "Homeless" definition; and
2. Meets one or more of the following conditions:
   1. Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance;
   2. Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship;
   3. Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing will be terminated within 21 days of the application date;
   4. Lives in a hotel or motel not paid for by charitable or government programs;
   5. Lives in an overcrowded housing unit (more than two persons per signle room or 1.5 persons per room, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau);
   6. Is exiting a publicly funded institution or system of care (such as a healthcare facility, mental health facility, foster care or youth facility, or correctional institution); or
   7. Otherwise lives in housing with characteristics associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness.