CARE Act

HR 9706, the CARE Act, requires the U.S. Comptroller General to produce a comprehensive report within one year of enactment assessing all federal homelessness programs. The report must include a cost-benefit analysis of each program (covering demographics served, services provided, funding, and outcomes like housing stability and healthcare access), identify effective programs and weaknesses, and recommend improvements to program oversight and data systems. This bill directly affects federal agencies administering homelessness assistance and Congress, which will receive the findings. The key mechanism is the mandatory federal assessment to improve accountability and effectiveness of existing homelessness services.