H.R. 4921: Providing for Unhoused People and Pets Act of 2025

The bill titled "Providing for Unhoused People and Pets Act of 2025" aims to address the needs of homeless individuals and families who own pets by creating a grant program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. Here is a summary of the key provisions and objectives of the bill:

Grant Program Overview

The Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, will manage a program that provides financial grants to certain eligible organizations. These grants are intended to help create or adapt interim and permanent housing that can accommodate both homeless individuals (and families) and their pets.

Eligible Entities

Organizations that can apply for these grants include:

• Local government units
• Nonprofit organizations
• Entities that provide housing or shelters for homeless persons

Use of Grant Funds

Funds from the grants can be used for the following purposes:

• Costs related to acquiring and renovating properties for housing
• Expenses related to operating the housing, particularly those involving pets
• Training for staff and volunteers on basic pet care

Housing Requirements

Housing that benefits from the grant must meet certain requirements:

• Provide supportive services like mental health, employment assistance, and wellness services for occupants.
• Ensure that basic veterinary care and behavioral support services for the pets are available on-site or coordinated with nearby providers.
• Accommodate pets appropriately, such as with crates or kennels, to ensure their safety and comfort.
• Coordinate efforts with public services and veterinary providers to support the well-being of both residents and their pets.

Application Process

Eligible entities must submit applications detailing their plans, which should include:

• Identification of existing housing or structures to be used.
• An assessment of local needs for housing that accommodates homeless individuals with pets.
• Partnerships with veterinary and animal care providers.
• Outreach efforts to inform homeless individuals about housing availability.

The Secretary will select grant recipients based on a competitive process using set criteria.

Reporting Requirements

Organizations receiving grants are required to report back to the Secretary with details about:

• Activities undertaken with the grant money
• Costs associated with provided services
• An assessment of the overall program’s effectiveness and recommendations for improvement

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes $5 million each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030 to fund this grant program.

Definitions

The bill provides specific definitions for terms such as "eligible entity," "homeless," "interim housing," "permanent housing," and "pet," ensuring clarity in its application.

Relevant Companies

None found