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This year, HUD continued to challenge CoCs to support their highest performing local programs that have proven most effective in meeting the needs of persons experiencing homelessness in their communities. Overall, CoCs stepped up to meet this challenge. Many state and local planners embraced HUD’s call to shift funds from existing underperforming projects to create new ones that are based on best practices that will further their efforts to prevent and end homelessness. HUD recognizes the hard work it took for CoCs to make these sometimes difficult choices, and appreciates their efforts to work towards results.
Secretary Castro stated, “Today marks another critical investment in support of those working each and every day to house and serve our most vulnerable neighbors. We know how to end homelessness and will continue to encourage our local partners to use the latest evidence to achieve success. These grants support proven strategies to end homelessness once and for all.”
HUD strongly encouraged local applicants to prioritize their funding request very carefully, using a mix of performance data and local needs. In addition, applicants were encouraged to submit projects that were based on research-driven approaches and supported the nation’s goals to prevent and end homelessness. As a result, local CoCs reallocated a combined $103 million in renewal funding from lower performing projects in order to apply for new housing projects; between reallocation and Bonus projects, HUD is awarding $139 million in new projects, including critical investments in permanent supportive housing (PSH) and rapid re-housing (RRH).
The Department estimates there were 549,928 persons experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2016. Since the launch of Opening Doors in 2010, local communities around the country report:
- The total number of individuals experiencing homelessness declined by 14 percent;
- Veteran homelessness fell by 47 percent;
- Chronic homelessness declined 27 percent; and
- Family homelessness declined by nearly 23 percent.
Adjustments to Funding
The conditional awards for renewal projects may be different than what was requested in the project application.
- Projects were reviewed to ensure that they were consistent with the approved Grant Inventory Worksheet (GIW) and CoC Program interim rule.
- In some cases, a project straddled Tier 1 and Tier 2 and only the Tier 1 portion of the project was funded.
Unlike prior years, HUD did not make Fair Market Rent (FMR) adjustments to the awards. HUD uses the FMRs that were in effect at the time applications were due, which means that FY 2016 FMRs will be used for these awards.
To submit a question to the e-snaps AAQ portal, select “e-snaps” from the “My question is related to” drop down list on Step 2 of the question submission process. If you have questions related to the CoC Program interim rule or a policy related question, please submit your questions to the CoC Program AAQ portal. To submit a question to the CoC Program AAQ portal, select “CoC Program” from the “My question is related to” drop down list on Step 2 of the question submission process.
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