Mainstream Resources

What are "mainstream resources"?
Why is accessing mainstream resources important?
Tips for when applying for Mainstream Resources

What are "Mainstream Resources"?

"Mainstream resources" is a term used to describe a variety of Federal and state benefit government assistance programs people may be eligible to receive.

Together, mainstream (non-targeted) service resources or benefit programs account for billions of dollars in Federal and state funds available nationally to provide low-income persons, including individuals and families who are homeless, with cash payments and supportive services for needs such as housing, health care, job training, and food and nutrition services.

Why is accessing Mainstream Resources important?

For a variety of reasons, many people who are homeless and/or have a disability are not accessing the mainstream services to which they are entitled. Only a fraction of homeless individuals and families access mainstream benefit programs such as: Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Social Security Disability Income (SSDI); Veteran's Benefits; Medicaid; and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Addressing the various housing and supportive service needs of persons who are homeless and/or have a disability nationwide requires significant resources. Congress appropriates several hundred billion dollars each year for mainstream assistance programs. Nearly half of HUD's competitive homeless assistance funds are used to provide supportive services, as opposed to housing. When providers assist homeless persons in identifying and successfully accessing mainstream assistance programs, the need to use HUD's homeless assistance funds to provide supportive services will decline, allowing those funds to be increasingly used to develop more needed housing. Accessing mainstream resources can lead to the ability to house more people who are homeless, as well as provide them with the supportive services they need - a "win-win" proposition.

Tips for when applying for Mainstream Resources

1. Provide all relevant identification and documentation or else your application may not be complete and may not get processed.
2. Be specific – answer questions honestly, clearly, and succinctly.
3. Be assertive but respectful.
4. Don't leave confused – ask to meet with a supervisor if you are confused or unsatisfied. If you disagree with what someone is telling you, ask to see the policy on which the response is based. If you still don't understand, ask for a copy of the policy and take it to someone you trust to help you, such as a local program case manager.
5. Take notes – when you call or talk to the office, keep notes and list the time, the date, and the name of the person you spoke to.
6. Read and respond quickly to mail. Be sure to answer all questions and to sign documents if requested. If you need assistance understanding the mail, ask someone you trust to help, such as a local program case manager.
7. Make and keep copies – Make a photocopy of any paperwork you are dropping off before you return it. Local program offices will often make copies free of charge. If you are dropping off information in person, ask someone from the office to date it and make a copy for you. To avoid problems, try to keep copies of all papers received from, and given to the benefits office. If possible, keep all paperwork in one place.
8. Ask for help – if you have difficulty managing the application process, find someone to act on your behalf. Also, you can get free legal help from your local community legal aid office. This help is particularly useful when seeking Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.