For the first time, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a two-year Continuum of Care (CoC) program notice of funding opportunity, making available more than $3.5 billion in competitive funding for homeless services organizations nationwide.
“This year’s funding opportunity represents the largest amount of funding in the history of the CoC program,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “It underscores the Biden-Harris administration’s unwavering commitment to addressing the homelessness crisis with the urgency it demands. No one should be forced to live in their car or on the streets. These funds will provide shelter to Americans when they need it most.”
The CoC program stands as the largest source of federal grant funding for homeless services and housing programs in the U.S., with nearly 400 CoC communities applying each year. HUD funds approximately 7,000 homeless service projects annually, operated by nonprofits, states, Indian tribes or tribally designated housing entities, and local governments.
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For the first time, HUD is implementing a two-year CoC program notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) as authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. This shift allows communities to submit just one CoC application that will be applicable for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, streamlining the application process and significantly reducing the administrative burden on applicants.
In a groundbreaking move, HUD is also applying a cost of living adjustment to CoC budgets to help providers keep up with rising costs. This adjustment is designed to provide additional pay and support for homeless assistance providers, improving overall service delivery for those experiencing homelessness.
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“We don’t often recognize the thousands of providers who work tirelessly to end homelessness,” said Marion McFadden, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. “This year’s approach reflects feedback from providers to increase staff support and reduce administrative burdens. By moving to a two-year application cycle, staff can focus more on their core duties and less on the paperwork needed for federal grant applications.”
As with previous NOFOs, CoCs will have the opportunity to renew existing projects, apply for new ones, and reallocate resources from lower-performing projects to better serve those experiencing homelessness.
The NOFO also includes specific funding for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as well as for youth and individuals facing the unique challenges of homelessness in rural areas. It allocates at least $52 million for new rapid rehousing, supportive services, and other critical activities for survivors. Additionally, approximately $188 million is available for the renewal and replacement of expiring Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program grants.
The deadline to submit CoC consolidated applications and project applications is 8 p.m. EDT on October 30.