Continuum of Care (CoC) Builds

Background
The Continuum of Care (CoC) Builds initiative, issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aims to address and reduce homelessness by adding new units of permanent supportive housing (PSH) through construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation.

The CoC program is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to ending homelessness and provides funding for efforts by various entities, including nonprofit providers, states, Indian Tribes, and local governments. The initiative emphasizes the importance of supportive services to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness with disabilities in achieving independent living.

Grant Details
The CoC Builds NOFO targets efforts within CoC geographic areas to add new PSH units through one-time awards under the CoC program. Key tasks include:
1) New construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation of PSH units;
2) Leveraging additional funding sources to maximize housing availability;
3) Ensuring that no more than 20% of each award is allocated for other eligible CoC Program activities related to the PSH project (e.g., supportive services, operating costs);
4) Limiting project administration costs to no more than 10% of the award;
5) Providing on-site or accessible support services such as counseling and job training;
6) Ensuring accessibility to local services and transportation;
7) Encouraging adaptive reuse of existing structures like hotels for cost-effective housing solutions.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include nonprofit providers, states, Indian Tribes, tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs), and local governments. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to provide permanent supportive housing and access to necessary supportive services.

There are specific provisions for rural areas and incentives for Indian Tribes and TDHEs due to their unique challenges in addressing homelessness.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for projects funded under this NOFO will vary based on the specific project requirements but generally aligns with the timelines established in HUD's guidelines for similar funding opportunities.

Grant Value
The maximum award amount under this NOFO is based on each CoC’s Final Pro Rata Need for the FY 2024 CoC Competition. For example, if a CoC's Final Pro Rata Need is $40 million or more, the maximum award can be up to $10 million. Additional allowances are made for projects involving Tribal reservations or trust lands.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed within designated Continuum of Care geographic areas as defined by HUD. Specific locations may include urban centers as well as rural areas that lack resources for addressing homelessness.