BLANKET Act

This bill, known as the "BLANKET Act," amends the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act to create a new competitive grant program: Supplemental Severe Weather Emergency Solutions Grants. The primary purpose of these grants is to enable eligible entities to expand and enhance the capacity of emergency shelters during periods of severe weather, such as heat waves, winter storms, and flooding. This initiative seeks to protect individuals experiencing homelessness from weather-related risks, prevent injuries, and reduce strain on emergency services.

Eligible entities, including states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations, can apply for these grants by demonstrating a need for expanded services and outlining plans for shelter capacity expansion and coordination with local emergency responders. Grant funds can be utilized for various critical services, including temporarily expanding shelter capacity, financing non-congregate shelter vouchers, covering staffing and utility costs, and purchasing emergency supplies like heating/cooling equipment. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2029 to support this vital program, and it mandates a GAO report to evaluate its effectiveness within five years.