(a) The Continuum of Care program is authorized by subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381-11389).

(b) The program is designed to:

(1) Promote communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness;

(2) Provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, States, and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals (including unaccompanied youth) and families, while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness;

(3) Promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and

(4) Optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.