The HEARTH Act was signed into law on May 20, 2009. The HEARTH Act amends and reauthorized McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act with substantial changes, including:

• A consolidation of HUD’s competitive grant programs

• The creation of a Rural Housing Stability Assistance Program

• A change in HUD’s definition of homelessness and chronic homelessness

• A simplified match requirement

• An increase in prevention resources

• An increase in emphasis on performance
  

To read the amended and reauthorized McKinney-Vento Act, see The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the HEARTH Act.