With the implementation of the Final Rule comes changes to how we define and document chronic homelessness. The major changes include:
- A family or individual can still meet the definition of chronically homeless if they have had at least 4 occasions of homelessness in the last 3 years. However, the cumulative length of those occasions must add up to at least 12 months.
- "Occasions" of homelessness are defined by a break of at least 7 days from residing in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven or in an emergency shelter.
- Stays in an institution of fewer than 90 days does not constitute a break in homelessness and does count toward time homeless.
- There are new requirements for record keeping.