HUD Continuum of Care Program

The Continuum of Care (CoC) program promotes community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. The program provides funding for efforts by nonprofit providers and state and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness. The program promotes access to and utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families. The program optimizes self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is a US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant announcement that provides funding to support HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and intermediary organizations across the country. These comprehensive housing counseling grants help hundreds of housing counseling agencies maintain and expand their services. The funding also assists those homeowners and renters who continue to struggle financially because of COVID-19, particularly individuals and families of color who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

CoC applicants must comply with threshold requirements, with statutory and regulatory requirements established in this grant, and with all Housing Counseling Program requirements. 

The CoC Program is designed to

• promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; 
• provide funding for efforts by nonprofits and state and local governments to quickly re-house homeless individuals, families, persons fleeing domestic violence, and youth while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness;
• promote access to and effective use of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and 
• optimize self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness.

HUD announces the beginning of the annual grant competition by publishing the NOFO. HUD grant guidelines provide detailed information about the application process including deadlines, eligible applicants, activities, and costs. Those interested in applying for HUD funding should become familiar with the federal legislation governing CoC funding, Program Interim Rule Part 578 Continuum of Care Program as well as the NOFO. Applicants should also check this website often as the grant information is updated on a regular basis.