Overview: SAMHSA’s PATH program is a formula grant authorized by the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1990. And was reauthorized by Section 9004 of the 21st Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-255). PATH, part of the first major federal legislative response to homelessness, is administered by the SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services (CMH).
Eligibility Requirements: Per the federal legislation PATH eligible means that an individual has a serious mental illness, or serious mental illness and substance use disorder, and is experiencing homelessness or is at imminent risk of becoming homeless.
Supported Activities: PATH-eligible persons will be supported by the following services depending on the person’s needs:
- Outreach
- Screening and diagnostic treatment
- Habilitation and rehabilitation
- Community mental health
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Referrals for primary health care, job training, educational services, and housing
- Housing services as specified in Section 22(b)(10) of the Public Health Services Act
Budget: Montana receives a federal award annually in the amount of $300,000. Cash or an in-kind match is required of at least $1.00 for each $3.00 of the Federal funds.
Annual Report: In State Fiscal Year 2021 the PATH program served:
- 348 Persons contacted
- 196 New persons contacted
- 231 Persons active and enrolled
PATH programs:
Billings: South Central MT Regional Mental Health Center
Butte: Western MT Mental Health Center
Missoula: Western MT Mental Health Center
Kalispell: Western MT Mental Health Center
Great Falls: Alluvion Health
Bozeman: The HRDC Bozeman
Contact us for more information:
Dana Geary, PATH Program Manager
BHDD/DPHHS
100 North Park Avenue – Suite 300
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 444-3718
Dana.geary@mt.gov
