Continuum of Care (CoC) Builds
Purpose
The Continuum of Care (CoC) Builds (CoCBuilds) NOFO targets efforts within CoC geographic areas to address and reduce persons experiencing homelessness by adding new units of permanent supportive housing (PSH) through new construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation through one-time CoCBuilds awards under the CoC Program. Through the CoCBuilds NOFO, HUD is encouraging CoCs to leverage funds provided for construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation of new PSH units with other funding sources to maximize the amount of housing that can directed to meeting the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. PSH is permanent housing in which supportive services are provided to assist individuals with a disability and families where at least one household member has a disability and is experiencing homelessness to live independently. Additionally, no more than 20 percent of each award may be used for other eligible CoC Program activities associated with the PSH project (e.g., supportive services, operating costs (Section IV.G.3 of this NOFO)), and no more than 10 percent of an award may be used for project administration.
Permanent supportive housing is beneficial for several reasons:
- Stability: It provides stable housing for individuals who may otherwise be experiencing homelessness or precariously housed, offering a foundation for stability in their lives.
- Support Services: It offers on-site or readily accessible, voluntary support services such as counseling, healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and job training, tailored to the individual's needs.
- Cost-Effectiveness: It can reduce overall public costs by decreasing the use of emergency services, such as hospitals, shelters, and law enforcement, which are often utilized at higher rates by individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Improved Health Outcomes: Stable housing contributes to better physical and mental health outcomes for residents, as they have a safe and consistent environment in which to address health issues and access regular care.
- Community Integration: Permanent supportive housing allows individuals to become integrated into their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and social connection, which are crucial for overall well-being.
- Prevention of Recidivism: For individuals who have experienced incarceration or cycles of homelessness, permanent supportive housing can break these cycles by providing a stable environment and support systems to prevent relapse into previous patterns.
Overall, permanent supportive housing addresses both the immediate need for shelter and the underlying factors contributing to homelessness, leading to better outcomes for individuals and communities alike.
HUD has the following six goals for this competition:
- Increase housing opportunities for people with high risk of levels of need.
- Increase the supply of permanent supportive housing units within CoC geographic areas to address individuals and families experiencing homelessness where one member of the household has a disability.
- Encourage coordination between housing providers, health care organizations, and social service providers.
- Ensure access to resources for projects to expand opportunities for new PSH units in States with populations less than 2.5 million.
- Ensure new PSH units are conveniently located near local services; e.g., walking distance, near reliable transportation services, provide access to telehealth.
- Affirmatively further fair housing by addressing barriers which perpetuate segregation, hinder access to areas of opportunity for protected class groups and concentrate affordable housing in under-resourced areas.
Funding of approximately $175,000,000 is available through this NOFO. HUD expects to make approximately 25 awards from the funds available under this NOFO.
Program Office: Office of Community Planning and Development
Funding Opportunity Title: Continuum of Care (CoC) Builds
Funding Opportunity Number: FR-6800-N-25A
Assistance Listing Number: 14.267
OMB Approval Number: 2506-0112
Opening Date: July 19, 2024
Deadline Date: November 21, 2024