Homeless Assistance Programs

HUD's Homeless Assistance Web Page is available to help you learn more about HUD's homeless assistance programs, and to keep you informed about available funding. HUD's homeless assistance programs are broken down into two main categories, formula (non-competitive), and competitive. Competitive programs are under the umbrella of Continuum of Care.

Competitive Programs

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act programs administered by HUD that award funds competitively require the development of a "Continuum of Care" system in the community where assistance is being sought. A continuum of care system is designed to address the critical problem of homelessness through a coordinated community-based process of identifying needs and building a system to address those needs. The approach is predicated on the understanding that homelessness is not caused merely by a lack of shelter, but involves a variety of underlying, unmet needs - physical, economic, and social. Funds are granted based on the competition following the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs include:

Supportive Housing Program
Provides housing, including housing units and group quarters, that has a supportive environment and includes a planned service component.
Shelter Plus Care Program
Provides grants for rental assistance for homeless persons with disabilities through four component programs: Tenant, Sponsor, Project, and Single Room Occupancy Rental Assistance.
Single Room Occupancy Program
Provides rental assistance on behalf of homeless individuals in connection with moderate rehabilitation of SRO dwellings.

Formula Program (Non-Competitive)

Formula grants are awarded on the basis of the Consolidated Plan that states and local jurisdictions may fill out.

Emergency Shelter Grant Program
A federal grant program designed to help improve the quality of existing emergency shelters for the homeless, to make available additional shelters, to meet the costs of operating shelters, to provide essential social services to homeless individuals, and to help prevent homelessness.

Other

Title V program
HUD collects and publishes information about surplus federal property that can be used to help homeless persons. Eligible grantees include states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations.
Base Realignment and Closure
The congressionally authorized process the US Department of Defense has previously used to reorganize its base structure to more efficiently and effectively support our military forces, increase operational readiness and facilitate new ways of doing business.

If you would like to locate the HUD office closest to you, please select your Local HUD Office which will connect you with the Web Page of each Field Office. The Annual Progress Report is available now in a Word format.

Introduction

Competitive Programs

Formula Program (Non-Competitive)

Other