The Continuum of Care (CoC) program is a crucial initiative designed to address homelessness in communities across the United States. This program aims to provide comprehensive support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, facilitating their transition into stable housing and ultimately achieving long-term self-sufficiency.
The CoC Program: A Comprehensive Approach to Ending Homelessness
The CoC program is more than just providing shelter; it represents a community-wide commitment to tackling the root causes of homelessness and implementing effective solutions. It fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, including non-profit organizations, government agencies, and community leaders, to strategically allocate resources and coordinate services. The program emphasizes data-driven decision-making to ensure continuous improvement and maximize impact. Ultimately, the CoC program empowers each community to tailor its approach based on its unique challenges and strengths.
Who Can Apply for CoC Funding?
Eligible applicants for CoC Program funding include non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and their instrumentalities. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply directly or receive sub-grants. The application process involves an annual competition where eligible organizations submit project proposals to the CoC’s designated Collaborative Applicant. This organization then compiles all applications and submits a comprehensive package to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Key Components of the CoC Program
The CoC program encompasses five core components:
1. Permanent Housing
This component focuses on providing long-term housing solutions. It includes:
- Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): Combines permanent housing with ongoing support services for individuals with disabilities and families with disabled members.
- Rapid Re-housing (RRH): Prioritizes quick placement in permanent housing through assistance with housing search, relocation services, and short- to medium-term rental assistance.
2. Transitional Housing
Offers temporary housing for up to 24 months, coupled with supportive services to help individuals and families prepare for permanent housing.
3. Supportive Services Only
Funding designated for the CoC’s Coordinated Entry (CE) lead agency to facilitate access to housing and resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This includes outreach, assessment, crisis counseling, and connections to essential services.
4. Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
Supports the operation of the HMIS, a data collection and management system used to track and analyze information related to homelessness within the CoC.
5. Homelessness Prevention
Available to High-Performing Communities (HPCs) to provide interventions that prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless. This can include rental assistance and housing stabilization services.
Understanding Eligible Costs
The CoC program outlines specific eligible costs for each component, including:
- Acquisition: Purchasing property for permanent housing, transitional housing, and supportive services.
- Rehabilitation: Improving existing structures to meet health and safety standards.
- New Construction: Building new facilities when more cost-effective than rehabilitation.
- Leasing Costs: Leasing individual units or entire structures for program use.
- Rental Assistance Costs: Providing financial aid to help participants pay rent.
- Supportive Services Costs: Covering the costs of essential services like case management, counseling, and job training.
- Operating Costs: Paying for day-to-day expenses of running programs and facilities.
- HMIS Costs: Supporting the operation and maintenance of the HMIS.
- Administrative Costs: Covering administrative expenses related to grant management.
Conclusion: The CoC Program’s Impact
The Continuum Of Care Program plays a vital role in addressing the complex issue of homelessness. By providing comprehensive support and fostering community-wide collaboration, the program strives to ensure that individuals and families experiencing homelessness have access to the resources they need to achieve stable housing and long-term stability For more detailed information, consult the CoC Program interim rule.
